Open-Air Theatre on the Cedar Lawn

Enjoy an unforgettable evening of live performance on the beautiful Cedar Lawn, set against the stunning backdrop of Kentwell Hall’s east wing.

Bring a rug and a picnic (for front-of-lawn seating) or set up with a picnic table and chairs further back—relax and enjoy open-air theatre at its finest.

Opera Anywhere presents Gilbert & Sullivan’s Comic Operetta

HMS Pinafore

This timeless classic with a twist tells of mismatched love across different social classes.

Josephine is the captain’s daughter and has fallen for lowly sailor Ralph. Yet her father has other ideas – he has promised her to Sir Joseph Porter, the First Lord of the Admiralty. Will love prevail? Climb aboard to find out and enjoy a feast of fun and merriment along the way!

Through its humour and satirical twists, HMS Pinafore explores themes of love, hierarchy, and the idea that true worth lies in character rather than class or rank.

As with most of Gilbert & Sullivan’s works, HMS Pinafore is a parody of the world in which it was written. With its fast pace tongue-in-cheek humour, quintessential Britishness, and well-known musical numbers, there is something for all audiences to enjoy.

Come early, settle in, and let the music carry you away on a summer’s night.

or The Lass That Loved a Sailor

Audience Reviews:

  • The energy and humour that was put into the performance made it come alive, true entertainment. It was really excellent”

    — Marilyn - HMS Pinafore, The Theatre, Chipping Norton

  • Absolutely brilliant evening. Fantastic atmosphere, the house and gardens looked spectacular with atmospheric lighting creating a wonderful backdrop to the fun filled production of Pirates of Penzance. The evening was well organised with lots of room for seating and picnic. Can’t wait for next production. Highly recommend.

    — Karen - The Pirates of Penzance, Kentwell Hall 2025

  • Thank you so much for a brilliant night. I was a Gilbert and Sullivan virgin, but I am now converted ... loved it. Hope you come back soon.

    — Audience member - HMS Pinafore, The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury

  • Man in a white Navy Officer uniform is spoken to by a woman in a navy-inspired dress. Three more women stand behind them. - opera anywhere

  • Three men dressed as Navy sailors (1940s style) and a man dressed as a navy cook dance on a platform in front of some water. They are mid air in a hop. - Opera Anywhere

  • Woman in a flowery dress holding a woman basket feeds a man dressed as a Navy sailor who has his mouth wide open. Two other men stand by them, mid singing. - Opera Anywhere

  • Women dressed in Navy sailor inspired dresses and men dressed as Navy sailors stand on a platform in front of a lake/pond with their right arms raised as they sing - opera anywhere

FAQs

  • It’s always best to book online to guarantee your tickets. Tickets may be available on the gate but this is subject to availability. Tickets purchased on the gate incur an extra £2.00 charge.

  • Come prepared for the changeable British Summer Weather.

    Summer evenings can be quite chilly – layers, jumpers, sunglasses and raincoats should all be considered. 

    Do check the weather before you set out!

  • No dogs, except guide dogs, are permitted within the grounds.

  • We operate a no-refunds policy for when we're open. Tickets are not transferrable to other days, or to other events. Please always check our website before travelling to check we are open.

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