This summer, the National Trust’s Speke Hall invites visitors for an evening filled with action, music, and rip-roaring laughter with four special outdoor theatre performances in the gardens.
Audiences will be able to make themselves comfortable with their picnics, blankets, and deckchairs in the colourful surroundings of the North Lawn, and prepare for an evening of mischief and hilarity on 21 June with a creative and amusing take on the classic tale of Robin Hood, by the Three Inch Fools.
Returning to Speke Hall on Friday 7 July are The Pantaloons, who bring a charming brand of theatrical chaos to their performance of Jane Austen’s story of misguided matchmaker, Emma.
Visitors can prepare for cartoonish capers on Saturday 5 August as The Pantaloons’ take to the stage with a timeless Shakespearean farce, The Comedy of Errors; a blend of silly slapstick, anachronisms and memorable music.
Finally, on 19 August, we follow the Pantaloons down the rabbit hole for their hilarious take on Lewis Carroll’s nonsensical novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Visitors will meet the mirthful Mad Hatter, the constantly late White Rabbit, the quarrelsome Queen of Hearts and the ever-adventurous Alice herself.
“Speke Hall provides the perfect setting for outdoor theatre,” says Lorraine Lett, Programming and Partnerships Officer. “The Tudor Mansion creates an enchanting atmosphere, adding a touch of magic to our theatrical events. The vibrant grounds, illuminated by the midsummer night light, offer a truly picturesque backdrop.”
“Each production brings a delightful array of captivating characters, ensuring a memorable experience for all of our visitors. It’s a great opportunity to gather families and friends, enjoy the splendour of Speke Hall’s historic gardens and settle in for an evening of spectacular entertainment.”
Each performance starts at 7pm. Expect 2 hours of fast-paced drama, uproarious intrigue, mistaken identities and misunderstandings, audience interaction, endless costume changes, a happy ending, and live music throughout.
Tickets for all performances are priced at £18 for adults, £10 for children 6+, under 5s free, £50 for a family (two adults, two children) and can be purchased online or by telephone 0344 249 1895. Free parking, toilets and baby changing facilities are all available on-site.
It’s recommended to pack a delicious picnic, something comfy to sit on, and wear plenty of layers – even if it’s a lovely sunny day, it can still get chilly on the North Lawn at night, and the performances will continue come rain or shine.
Enter via Visitor Reception from the car park and you will be directed to the North Lawn. Gates open at 6pm for a 7pm start, so arrive early enough to secure a good spot. It’s fully accessible to everyone with some slight slopes. And suitable for all ages to enjoy.
You can book your tickets here.
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