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What's on 2024

Choose from four fantastic outdoor shows and over 200 performances this summer!

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Dolittle
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About this show

One day with the help of his wise old parrot Polynesia, Doctor Dolittle makes an extraordinary discovery: that he can talk to animals! As news of his unique talent as an animal doctor spreads, animals from across the world send messages asking for his help. So he buys a leaky old ship and embarks on a thrilling quest…

 

Hugh Lofting’s timeless classic celebrates the power of empathy and inspires audiences young and old to see the world through the eyes of animals. This funny, exciting family musical is performed with flair and wit by Illyria in the great outdoors.

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Running time (approx):

1hr 50mins (inc 20 minute interval)

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Suitable for ages 5+ (younger children also welcome!)

The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle

by Hugh Lofting, adapted by Oliver Gray

Upcoming shows

Hatfield Forest

Bishops Stortford CM22 6NE

Friday 5 July

Fulbourn Manor

nr Cambridge CB21 5RJ

Sunday 7 July

South Milford Park

nr Leeds LS25 5AF

Saturday 13 July

Newby Hall

Ripon HG4 5AE

Saturday 6 July

The Vyne

Basingstoke RG24 9HL

Friday 12 July

Crosby Hall

Liverpool L23 4UA

Sunday 14 July

Use the 'next' button to see even more dates!

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Romeo and Juiliet

by William Shakespeare

Romeo

About this show

A passionate, poetic and utterly gripping production of this Shakespeare favourite. From a secret rendezvous to a fateful duel, Shakespeare masterfully explores the enduring power of love, revenge and fate. But the surprising thing about this iconic tale is that it’s extremely funny too! A passionate, poetic and utterly gripping performance by Illyria in the great outdoors.

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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)

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Suitable for all ages.

Upcoming shows

Merlin Theatre

Frome BA11 2HG

Wednesday 3 July

Sandwell Valley

West Bromwich B71 4BG

Friday 5 July

Nantclwyd Y Dre

Ruthin LL15 1DP

Sunday 7 July

Castle Gardens

Sherborne DT9 5NR

Thursday 4 July

Grappenhall Heys

Warrington WA4 3DS

Saturday 6 July

Montgomery Castle

Montgomery SY15 6HN

Tuesday 9 July

Use the 'next' button to see even more dates!

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The Gondoliers

by Gilbert & Sullivan

Gondolier

About this show

This light-hearted operetta is set in a world of blissful romance, barbed satire and comedic chaos. Two charming gondoliers suddenly find themselves elevated to the status of royalty. Hilarity ensues when the rightful Queen arrives demanding to know which is her rightful husband. Ultimately, love triumphs and the gondoliers discover that happiness lies not in noble titles but in true love.

 

Gilbert’s witty lyrics and Sullivan’s catchy melodies are expertly brought to life by Illyria, who have captivated audiences for over thirty years. Performed in the great outdoors, ‘The Gondoliers’ promises to leave you with a song in your heart.

 

Running time (approx):

2hrs 20min (inc 20 minute interval)

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Suitable for all ages.

Upcoming shows

Penlee Park

Penzance TR18 4HE

Saturday 6 July

Tapeley Park

Bideford EX39 4NT

Tuesday 9 July

Fowlmere Village Hall

nr Cambridge SG8 7RY

Friday 12 July

Halscombe Farm

nr Exeter EX2 9TQ

Sunday 7 July

Queen Ethelburga's Collegiatge

York YO26 9SS

Thursday 11 July

Berkhamsted School

Berkhamsted HP4 2BB

Saturday 13 July

Use the 'next' button to see even more dates!

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The Hound of the Baskervilles

by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, adapted by Oliver Gray

Hound

About this show

Who killed Sir Charles Baskerville? 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 cheeky but chilling adaptation.

 

From the eerie moonlit landscapes of Dartmoor to cryptic clues, this gripping adaptation promises an irresistible blend of tension and wit. Performed in the great outdoors by Illyria, prepare for an unforgettable evening of mystery, intrigue and things that go ‘grrrr’ in the night!

 

Running time (approx):

2hrs 20mins (inc 20 minute interval)

 

Suitable for ages 8+

Upcoming shows

Basset Manor

Stoke Row RG8 0TD

Saturday 27 July

Castle Drogo

nr Exeter EX6 6PB

Tuesday 30 July

Ebbingford Manor

Bude EX23 8LN

Thursday 1 August

Steeple Langford Recreation Ground

Wiltshire SP3 4ND

Sunday 28 July

Penlee Park

Penzance TR18 4HE

Wednesday 31 July

Sterts Theatre

Liskeard PL14 5AZ

Friday 2 August

Use the 'next' button to see even more dates!

All upcoming shows

As a table

Use these links to browse all tour dates for our 2024 open air productions in a table. Then, use the 'book now' links to purchase tickets.

The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle
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The Gondoliers by Gilbert & Sullivan
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Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
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The Hound of the Baskervilles
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