THORINGTON THEATRE
A new outdoor theatre nestled in Suffolk woodland.
Oscar winner Charlie Mackesy, who is returning to Thorington Theatre in 2024
An enraptured audience amid the foliage
Rain didn't stop play during Jane Austen's Emma
An atmospheric evening production of Murder on the Nile
Partners
Over the course of the last year we’ve been evaluating our supply chain looking for environmentally friendly brands that share our values. Here are our four favourites!
FISHERS: Distilled overlooking Aldeburgh’s iconic shingle beach and handcrafted using only the finest locally foraged wild herbs and botanicals, Fishers distinctive gins and spectacular distillery have quickly become one of Suffolk’s most magnetic attractions. Fishers is the closest gin distillery to the sea in the UK and is open for pre-booked tours daily. We're very excited to have them as Thorington Theatre's Official Gin.
FAIRFIELDS FARM CRISPS: “Our delicious thick-cut crunchy potato crisps are handcooked and seasoned on our independent family farm. Made with potatoes we grow ourselves on the picturesque Essex and Suffolk border, all our crisp flavours are vegan friendly and gluten free, making them the perfect snack for any crisp lover.”
SUFFOLK MEADOW ICE CREAM: "We invite you on a journey of taste and tradition. Crafted with care in the heart of Suffolk, our artisanal ice cream blends premium local ingredients into unique and delightful flavours. Indulge in the richness of our handcrafted creations, where each scoop is a celebration of quality, creativity, and the vibrant spirit of our community."
About us.
This outdoor theatre seats 350 people; it has a wooden box office and bar serving the best local beers, wine, cider, juices and ice creams, and there is a picnic area where guests are welcome to enjoy a picnic before the show. There is free parking, guest loos, and wheelchair access. Please see our FAQ’s for more information.
Daniel Kitson performs to a full forest of comedy fans
Wheelchair platforms at Thorington
Audiences enjoying Stand Up Under The Stars
A full house from back of stage
Our construction story.
The theatre was constructed with the smallest carbon footprint possible; the timber has been sourced through sensitive and sustainable coppicing of surrounding chestnut trees and the site is a bomb crater from WWII, which left a natural amphitheatre in the woods.
Day one in our natural amphitheatre, June 2020
The tiered seating is mapped out, July 2020
The stage is mapped out, July 2020
Chestnut trees are sustainably coppiced for timber, August 2020
An auditorium begins to take shape, August 2020
The scope of the theatre emerges, December 2020
Les and Silas work on the seating, January 2021
Things grind to a frosty halt, February 2021
Our wonderful construction team, March 2021
The seating flows around the trees, March 2021
The Box Office is built, April 2021
The wheelchair platforms are complete, April 2020
It's all in the final details, May 2021
Construction is complete, May 2021
Thorington welcomes its audience, June 2021