What's on 2025
Choose from four fantastic outdoor shows touring far and wide during summer 2025!
The Wind in the Willows
by Kenneth Grahame, adapted by Oliver Gray
Mole yearns for adventure, Rat adores boats and Badger likes peace and quiet. Into their lives bursts Toad who loves very fast cars and just can’t seem to help getting into trouble. But can the animals reform Toad’s character and evict the squatters from his ancestral home to restore justice to the world? Kenneth Grahame’s perennial classic is brought to the stage in Illyria’s inimitable style.
Running time (approx): 1hr 40mins (inc 20 minute interval)
Suitable for ages 5+ (younger children also welcome!)
The Merry Wives of Windsor
by William Shakespeare
Falstaff is skint. He decides his only option is to seduce the wives of two wealthy merchants. But the women are best friends, and of course they spill their hearts to each other every day... Scandalised not just that Falstaff wrote to them but that he sent them identical love-letters, they vow to play tricks on him when he comes calling. Finally, with the help of their husbands and friends, the merry wives lure him to a haunted forest and teach him a lesson he won't forget! Illyria is an intrepid band of five actors who perform Shakespeare’s plays direct from the First Folio, the most authoritative edition of Shakespeare’s plays. It’s fast, it’s polished and it’s spoken beautifully. Illyria last performed this hilarious play in 2008 and we can't wait to bring it back!
Running time (approx): 2hrs 20mins (inc 20 minute interval)
Suitable for all ages.
HMS Pinafore
by Gilbert and Sullivan
Set on board the warship HMS Pinafore, the opera cheerfully mocks such Great British institutions as Class, Patriotism and the Royal Navy. Josephine, the captain's daughter, is in love with Ralph a common sailor; but her father wants her to marry Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty. The couple are caught as they elope from the ship and Ralph is locked in the ship's dungeon. Only when certain revelations are made by Buttercup, a dockside vendor, can everyone end up freely marrying their true hearts' loves.​ This comic opera gets the complete Illyria treatment, faithfully performed by a reduced cast on a beautiful nautical set.
Running time (approx): 2hrs (inc 20 minute interval)
Suitable for all ages.
Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen, adapted by Oliver Gray
Illyria's production of Jane Austen's glorious social comedy attracted sell-out audiences for a total of seven years. It toured throughout the UK and Europe, attracting nationwide critical acclaim. We're bringing this show back to celebrate Jane Austen's 250th birthday!​ In a whirlwind of balls, dinners and very eligible officers, Lizzy Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy stand alone as the only sane, thoughtful people - and they hate each other! Or do they? Can she see beyond his pride, and can he overcome her prejudice, in order to achieve happiness?​ If your idea of Jane Austen is stuffy costume drama then this sparkling adaptation is guaranteed to change your mind. Bring a picnic and have a ball as the irrepressible Illyria sharpen their claws to bring you Jane Austen at her vibrant, bitchy best!
Running time (approx): 2hrs 20mins (inc 20 minute interval)
Suitable for all ages.
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
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Romeo and Juiliet
by William Shakespeare
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
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The Gondoliers
by Gilbert & Sullivan
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
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The Hound of the Baskervilles
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, adapted by Oliver Gray
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
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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.
