
Open Air Theatre
We’re delighted to bring Open Air Entertainment back to Kentwell this summer!
Summer Open-Air Performances at Kentwell
Theatre
Join us on the stunning Cedar Lawn at Kentwell for two magical evenings of live open-air theatre, featuring top-class performances of classic works by Gilbert & Sullivan and Shakespeare.
Bring a picnic, relax under the evening sky, and let the drama unfold!
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Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance
📅 Saturday 19 July | 🕖 7:45pm
Gate Open: 7:00pm
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Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
📅 Saturday 30 August | 🕖 7:30pm
Gate Open: 6:45pm
Venue information
Kentwell is a moated Tudor manor house, surrounded by about 30 acres of gardens, grounds & woodland. Performances will take place outdoors on the Cedar Lawn against the East Wing of the Hall.
What to bring
Please bring your own rugs, cushions or low-backed seating as we don’t provide seating.
You are welcome to bring a picnic, however naked flames are not permitted.
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!
Seating
To ensure the best possible view for everyone, seating will be in two areas:
1. Nearer the stage area: rugs, cushions & floor chairs
2. Further back; chairs & tables
Interval
At Kentwell we have a one-hour supper interval for you to enjoy your picnic in the grounds before coming back for the second half of the show.
Peafowl
Percy the Peacock (and his Ladies) may be in the Cedar trees. He may join in with the singing during louder parts of the show.
Please don’t leave your picnic uncovered/unattended – that would be a feast for the Percies: defend against marauders!
Access
Kentwell is largely flat and fully accessible to people with reduced mobility.
There is an accessible parking area outside the main carpark, a bit closer to the entrance.
Getting here
There is a large car park. It is a couple of minutes’ walk from the performance area.
There is a bus stop close to the end of the Avenue, after which there is a ¾ mile/1.2km-long walk up to the House (c.10mins, dependent on walking speed).
The nearest railway station is in Sudbury, approximately 9.8km/6m away.,
Weather
Our performances continue in all but the very worst weather, rain does NOT stop play with us!
Do check the weather before you set out to make sure you have everything you’ll need to enjoy your evening.
Other information
Tickets are non-transferable or refundable unless the event is cancelled by Kentwell Hall or the visiting company.
Dogs are not permitted at Kentwell.
The Tearoom will be open before the show and during the interval for hot drinks and cakes.