Open air theatre in Surrey
Lord Chamberlain’s Men, performing Macbeth at various locations across Surrey
Surrey gets a nice dose of outdoor theatre this summer, with stages popping up across the county during July and August. Sarah Evans frames the scene
Outdoor theatre is a wonderful British tradition. It’s origins stretch back beyond memory, but travelling theatre companies were notably blazing a trail in Tudor times. These bands of actors often performed on makeshift courtyard stages or outside public inns. This was all before open-air playhouses such as the Globe gave thousands of theatre fans a regular hang out.
It is not necessity which drives performers nowadays outside, but the unique atmosphere that comes from performing among greenery during British summertime.
Where better than in Surrey to hold these performances? Our supply of historic stately homes, jaw dropping landscapes and charming riverside locations give a multitude of excellent backdrops.
We’ve got some of spiritual successors of those travellers, such as the Cambridge Touring Theatre Company setting up shop. Also, some resident theatre companies, including the Guildford Shakespeare Company, will be playing on their home ground.
In some parts of the county it’s an annual tradition – just look at the Guildbury’s theatre company, who have been giving open-air theatre performances at Farnham Castle for the past 20 years.
2012 is extra special for historical theatre, as it marks the World Shakespeare Festival. The National Trust is paying tribute to the Bard by bringing some open-air productions of his work to Hatchlands Park and Clandon Park in Guildford. There will also be workshops for budding dramatists to hone their outdoor skills.
One of the highlights is sure to be Macbeth, performed on August 15 at Hatchlands Park by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. This ensemble follows the same rules as Elizabethan touring companies. Most notably, male actors play all the parts. They also play at Ham House, Birdworld and Claremont Landscape Garden over the Summer.
So prepare yourself a picnic, soak up the surrounds and enjoy the play. It doesn’t get much more traditional than that
What’s On:
Guildford Castle Grounds:
The Three Musketeers, until July 14
Pranksters Theatre Company brings to life the swashbuckling French heroes and their terrifying foes, with the historic Guildford Castle as a feasibly historic backdrop.
Farnham Castle:
The Marriage of Figaro, July 11 to 14
The Guildburys open-air theatre has been a fixture at the 900-year old Farnham Castle since 1990. Fantastic farce The Marriage of Figaro will be their latest performance.
Guildford College of Law Gardens:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, July 12 to 21
Guildford Shakespeare Company stages Shakespeare’s quintessential summer play. A Midsummer Night’s Dream has always been ideal for open-air theatre.
Claremont Landscape Garden Open Air Theatre:
King Arthur and The Sword in the Stone, July 13
Cambridge Touring Theatre gives a musical version of young boy Wart’s transformation into King Arthur. Will he be able to pull the sword out of the stone?
Macbeth, July 14 and 15
All male ensemble The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, perform Shakespeare’s dark tale of ambition and murder set in historic Scotland.
Polesden Lacey
As You Like It, July 14 and 15
Paul Longhurst directs the Shakespearean comedy with Forest of Arden runaways and pastoral hijinks.
Hatchlands Park:
The Way to Keep Him, July 15
Artifice perform 18th century Irish writer Arthur Murphy’s social comedy, originally written for famed actor David Garrick.
Mary Wallace Theatre:
Romeo and Juliet, July 15 to 21
Shakespeare’s tale of young lovers’ passion and the resulting violence is played out in this beautiful riverside setting.
Guildford Castle Grounds:
Love in the Park, July 19 to 28
Watch the Herald Players bring to life the scenes of some of Shakespeare’s most renowned comedies and tragedies.
Hatchlands Park:
King Arthur and The Sword in the Stone, July 22
Cambridge Touring Theatre gives a musical version of young boy Wart’s transformation into King Arthur. Will he be able to pull the sword out of the stone?
Ham House and Garden:
Macbeth, July 22
All male ensemble The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, perform Shakespeare’s dark tale of ambition and murder set in historic Scotland.
Polesden Lacey:
As You Like It, July 22
Paul Longhurst directs the Shakespearean comedy with Forest of Arden runaways and pastoral hijinks.
Birdworld:
Macbeth, July 28
All male ensemble The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, perform Shakespeare’s dark tale of ambition and murder set in historic Scotland.
Alice Holt Forest, Farnham:
Sleeping Beauty, August 1
Chapterhouse’s open-air production of magical tale Sleeping Beauty gets a drowsy summer afternoon’s performance in the wonderful setting of Alice Holt forest.
Hatchlands Park:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, August 1 to 3
Guildford Shakespeare Company stages Shakespeare’s quintessential summer play. A Midsummer Night’s Dream has always been ideal for open-air theatre.
Macbeth, August 15
All male ensemble The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, perform Shakespeare’s dark tale of ambition and murder set in historic Scotland.
Clandon Park:
Much Ado About Nothing, August 26
Bolshy Beatrice and Benedict’s love-hate romance is given a Second World War setting.
Denbies Wine Estate:
Cat’s Grin, August 23
Outdoor theatre company Cat’s Grin give a performance especially for children.
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