What's on 2024
Choose from four fantastic outdoor shows and over 200 performances this summer!
The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle
by Hugh Lofting, adapted by Oliver Gray
This funny, much-loved and exciting family adventure is back!
We're bringing back our hit 2018 show! When Dr John Dolittle of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh is taught by his wise old parrot Polynesia how to talk to animals, news of his skills spreads far and wide.
Soon animals across the world send messages asking for his help. So he buys a leaky old ship and, together with his trusty pet-crew of Jip the dog, Chee-Chee the monkey, Dab-Dab the Duck and permanently hungry Gub-Gub the pig, sets forth on a mission to heal illness, spread compassion and gain a greater understanding of the animal kingdom.
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Running time (approx): 1hr 50mins (inc 20 minute interval)
Suitable for ages 5+ (younger children also welcome!)
Romeo and Juliet
by William Shakespeare
A passionate, poetic and utterly gripping production of this Shakespeare favourite.
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Shakespeare states in the opening lines of this play that we are going to see an explosive swash-buckling romance. But the surprise he has in store for us is that it’s extremely funny too! The Montagues and the Capulets are at war with one another - but when Montague's son gatecrashes Capulet’s party in disguise and falls in love with Capulet's daughter a chain-reaction of events is set in motion which has a devastating conclusion.
Illyria last performed this terrific play ten years ago; the production was Critic's Choice in Edinburgh, attracted 5-star reviews in Canada and received a nomination for Best of Fringe in Vancouver.
Running time (approx): 2hrs 20mins (inc 20 minute interval)
Suitable for all ages.
The Gondoliers
by Gilbert and Sullivan
An enchanting rendition that promises an evening of laughter, music, and pure entertainment.
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Set in picturesque Venice, this lighthearted operetta whisks audiences away to a world of romance, mistaken identities, and comedic chaos.
The story revolves around two charming gondoliers, Marco and Giuseppe, who suddenly find themselves elevated to the status of royalty. Tasked with choosing their queen from a bevy of beautiful women, hilarity ensues as the true identity of the rightful queen becomes entangled.
With catchy melodies and witty lyrics, Illyria brings the vivacious characters to life, captivating audiences with their impeccable comedic timing and exuberant performances. As the plot thickens and the absurdity reaches its peak, love triumphs, and the gondoliers discover that happiness lies not in noble titles but in the simplicity of true love.
Running time (approx): 2hrs 20min (inc 20 minute interval)
Suitable for all ages.
The Hound of the Baskervilles
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, adapted by Oliver Gray
An evening of mystery, intrigue and things that go woof in the night.
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Who killed Sir Charles Baskerville? Can anyone prevent the same fate befalling the young Sir Henry Baskerville? Is a monstrous hound really roaming Dartmoor? Why is someone systematically stealing Sir Henry’s shoes? And how does a ghostly hound manage to leave vast paw-prints and other unwelcome evidence of its existence?
The original and greatest literary detective of them all, Sherlock Holmes, and his assistant Doctor Watson, tackle the most baffling case of their careers in this faithful, cheeky but chilling adaptation.
Running time (approx): 2hrs 20mins (inc 20 minute interval)
Suitable for ages 8+
All dates
Use these links to browse all tour dates for our 2024 open air productions. Then use the 'book now' link to purchase tickets for individual performances.
Individual venues will make their tickets available over the coming months, so check back later if your preferred location is not currently on sale - or contact the venue directly for more information.