SUMMER 2023
Tickets for all shows are now live
The Lost World
Presented by Strange Fascination Theatre
Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes, including a 20 minute interval.
Suitable for 5+
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
Strange Fascination Theatre return to open air performance with their new adaption of The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle.
Celebrating ten years of making theatre in East Anglia, Strange Fascination Theatre are director and writer Simon Michael-Morgan and designer and producer Daisy Plackett. They are a professional duo who have previously brought their adaptions of Alice in Wonderland, The Jungle Book and the award-nominated Treasure Island to thousands of audience members.
Based on the original novel, this latest show is an exciting and adventurous family story told with original hand made puppets, costumes and music.
Professor Challenger and his band of adventurers explore a forgotten realm of South America, and encounter danger, wonder and dinosaurs! But what is waiting for them?
“We can’t wait to bring our latest show to audiences in East Anglia. We have a great audience base and amazing venues on our tour; this summer is going to be a blast!” Simon.
The Little Mermaid
Presented by IK Productions
Running time: 2 hours, including a 20 minute interval.
Suitable for all
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
Escape under the sea with IKP’s The Little Mermaid on an exciting new adventure! From the team who brought you Hercules (4* The Stage), Beauty and the Beast, and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (4* The Stage), come along for a huge European adventure to find freedom, truth and love! This brand new family show is great for all ages from tiny tots to big kids, so hop aboard and sail the sea with The Little Mermaid!
Five Children & It
Presented by This Is My Theatre
Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes, including a 20 minute interval.
Suitable for all
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
Written by Edith Nesbit
Adapted by Ethan Taylor
Directed by Chloe Bond
Music by Simon Stallard
The five children - Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane, and their baby brother, known as the Lamb - are playing in a gravel pit one morning when they uncover a rather grumpy and sometimes tricky Psammead, a sand-fairy with the ability to grant wishes. Join them on their adventures as they learn what it is to be careful what you wish for!
Based on the classic children's novel by Edith Nesbit - with live music and puppetry throughout - children and adults alike will love this ever-popular story reimagined for the stage.
Critics have said of our previous shows:
Grapevine Live
“Warm and welcoming, clever and creative – a wonderful afternoon of entertainment!” (The Wind in the Willows)
Visit Dean Wye
“A fun-filled family adventure, thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable!” (Treasure Island)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (7pm)
Presented by This Is My Theatre
Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes, including a 20 minute interval.
Suitable for all
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
Written by William Shakespeare
Adapted and directed by Sarah Slator
Music by Simon Stallard
“I have had a most rare vision. I have had a dream,
past the wit of man to say what dream it was.”
The woods outside Athens are busy this night. Four young Athenian lovers are lost. Oberon and Titania, the king and queen of the fairy-folk, are quarrelling whilst a group of craftsmen (who also happen to be some not-so-very-talented actors) are meeting in secret to rehearse their play.
With its many parts, Shakespeare's story of love, mistaken identity and magic has remained popular with audiences across the world. Our critically acclaimed production returns this Summer to delight audiences again!
Of previous shows:
Visit Brighton
“Shakespeare would have envisioned his play to be enjoyed exactly this way!”
Binge Fringe
“A must-see for theatre fans and an education in how to make Shakespeare relevant again!”
Delicious picnics delivered
Local supper club Husk offers freshly prepared gourmet picnic suppers delivered to the picnic field one hour before your show. More information and ordering here.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2pm)
Presented by This Is My Theatre
Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes, including a 20 minute interval.
Suitable for all
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
Written by William Shakespeare
Adapted and directed by Sarah Slator
Music by Simon Stallard
“I have had a most rare vision. I have had a dream,
past the wit of man to say what dream it was.”
The woods outside Athens are busy this night. Four young Athenian lovers are lost. Oberon and Titania, the king and queen of the fairy-folk, are quarrelling whilst a group of craftsmen (who also happen to be some not-so-very-talented actors) are meeting in secret to rehearse their play.
With its many parts, Shakespeare's story of love, mistaken identity and magic has remained popular with audiences across the world. Our critically acclaimed production returns this Summer to delight audiences again!
Of previous shows:
Visit Brighton
“Shakespeare would have envisioned his play to be enjoyed exactly this way!”
Binge Fringe
“A must-see for theatre fans and an education in how to make Shakespeare relevant again!”
Delicious picnics delivered
Local supper club Husk offers freshly prepared gourmet picnic suppers delivered to the picnic field one hour before your show. More information and ordering here.
Teddy Bear’s Picnic
Presented by Rah Rah Theatre Company
Running time: 1 hour
Suitable for all
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
Bring along your favourite bear and join us on a fun, exciting adventure to get to the picnic on time! The show incorporates puppets, well-known songs and dancing, together with important educational areas such as numbers, colours and shapes. Aimed at children aged from two to six years old.
This much-loved children’s show is in its 12th year of touring and we are excited to have the chance for Rah Rah Theatre Company to visit Thorington Theatre with the production.
Click here to view the show reel.
Sleeping Beauty
Presented by Al Fresco Theatre
Running time: 2 hours, including a 20 minute interval.
Suitable for all
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
Following the success of Summertime Cinders, Robin Hood and Snow White, Al Fresco Theatre are excited to return to Thorington again this year with their fabulous pantomime production of Sleeping Beauty.
Packed full of songs, dances, fabulous costumes, a ridiculously funny script and some very subtle panto innuendo, there's something for the whole family in this magical extravaganza of a show!
Will Annie the Nanny and Polly-Esther the Jester manage to keep Princess Rose Safe? Why is Fairy Carabosse in such a horrible mood? And will Prince Vince arrive in time to save the day? Come and cheer for the good and boo at the bad with Alfresco Theatre this summer!
Sleeping Beauty
Presented by Al Fresco Theatre
Running time: 2 hours, including a 20 minute interval.
Suitable for all
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
Following the success of Summertime Cinders, Robin Hood and Snow White, Al Fresco Theatre are excited to return to Thorington again this year with their fabulous pantomime production of Sleeping Beauty.
Packed full of songs, dances, fabulous costumes, a ridiculously funny script and some very subtle panto innuendo, there's something for the whole family in this magical extravaganza of a show!
Will Annie the Nanny and Polly-Esther the Jester manage to keep Princess Rose Safe? Why is Fairy Carabosse in such a horrible mood? And will Prince Vince arrive in time to save the day? Come and cheer for the good and boo at the bad with Alfresco Theatre this summer!
Robin Hood
Presented by Pantaloons
Running time: 2 hours, including a 20 minute interval.
Suitable for all
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
Join utter legends Robin, Marian and the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest for a hilariously adventurous take on the timeless tales of everyone's favourite archer.
Pernicious Prince John and the shifty Sheriff of Nottingham have hatched a plan to put a stop to Robin Hood's charitable crime spree once and for all. Can they outwit the outlaw? Or will Robin hit the target once again?
Find out in the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons' innovative take on the myth featuring live music and audience interaction.
Prepare to have your blocks busted, your rips roared and your swashes well-and-truly buckled!
Sense and Sensibility (7pm)
Presented by Viva Arts and Community Group
Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes, including a 20 minute interval. Suitable for all ages.
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
By Kate Hamill
Based on the novel by Jane Austen
A playful new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Dashwood sisters—sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne—after their father’s sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable.
Set in gossipy late 18th-century England, with a fresh female voice, the play is full of humour, emotional depth, and bold theatricality. Sense and Sensibility examines our reactions, both reasonable and ridiculous, to societal pressures. When reputation is everything, how do you follow your heart?
Join Viva Theatre Company for a fast-paced, physical and thoroughly entertaining rendition of the classic novel.
The world premiere of Sense and Sensibility was produced by Bedlam (Eric Tucker, Artistic Director; Andrus Nichols, Producing Director).
Sense and Sensibility is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection.
About Viva Arts and Community Group
Established in 1997, Viva produces award-winning multi-generational shows within its own theatre in Soham, Cambridgeshire, and other venues as well as at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where productions have received five-star reviews.
Book your picnic!
Local Supper Club, Husk, offers delicious, gourmet picnic suppers delivered to the picnic field one hour before your show. More information and ordering here.
Sense and Sensibility (2pm)
Presented by Viva Arts and Community Group
Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes, including a 20 minute interval. Suitable for all ages.
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
By Kate Hamill
Based on the novel by Jane Austen
A playful new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Dashwood sisters—sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne—after their father’s sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable.
Set in gossipy late 18th-century England, with a fresh female voice, the play is full of humour, emotional depth, and bold theatricality. Sense and Sensibility examines our reactions, both reasonable and ridiculous, to societal pressures. When reputation is everything, how do you follow your heart?
Join Viva Theatre Company for a fast-paced, physical and thoroughly entertaining rendition of the classic novel.
The world premiere of Sense and Sensibility was produced by Bedlam (Eric Tucker, Artistic Director; Andrus Nichols, Producing Director).
Sense and Sensibility is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection.
About Viva Arts and Community Group
Established in 1997, Viva produces award-winning multi-generational shows within its own theatre in Soham, Cambridgeshire, and other venues as well as at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where productions have received five-star reviews.
Angelica Sprocket’s Pockets
Presented by Folksy Theatre
Running time: 1 hour, including a 20 minute interval.
Suitable for all
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
Angelica Sprocket lives next door. Her overcoat has pockets galore! And you'll never guess what's in them...Prepare to be surprised, thrilled and tickled pink by Angelica Sprocket's never-ending pockets, and the marvellous things she keeps in them. Filled with Folksy’s touch of live music, puppetry, audience interaction and madness! This fun-filled show is the perfect treat for the whole family!
The Tempest
Presented by Festival Players
Running time: 2 hours minutes, including a 20 minute interval.
Suitable for all
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
Shakespeare’s last, and great, play is a triumphant compilation of intrigue, magic, and humour. Prospero, an exiled Duke with supernatural powers, creates a great storm which sees his enemies shipwrecked on his island. Magic abounds, plots are exposed, and a colourful array of characters gain their deserts. Fascinating entertainment.
Book your picnic!
Local Supper Club, Husk, offers delicious, gourmet picnic suppers delivered to the picnic field one hour before your show. More information and ordering here.
The Secret Garden
Presented by The Plandits
Running time: 2 hours, including a 20 minute interval.
Suitable for 6+
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
Join Mary, Colin and Dickon as they tell you the story of their favourite place in the world - The Secret Garden.
A brand new re-imagining of the classic Frances Hodgson Burnett book brought to you by The Plandits. Suitable for anyone aged 6+ who loves literature and the great outdoors, this heartfelt, energetic show is full of original music, puppetry, interaction and laughs.
As the three characters discover the transforming power of being active, the magic of nature and the joy of play, we’re sure you’ll leave this performance with a renewed enthusiasm for the world around you!
Jeeves & Wooster in Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves
Presented by Tethered Wits
Running time: 2 hours, including a 20 minute interval. Suitable for 5+
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
Tethered Wits cordially invites you to an uproarious adventure with P.G. Wodehouse's beloved characters, Jeeves and Wooster!
Enter the whimsical world of Bertie Wooster, an affable young gentleman with a penchant for getting himself entangled in the most outlandish predicaments. Thankfully, he has his razor-sharp valet, Jeeves, to rescue him from all sorts of mishaps with unmatched wit and extraordinary skill.
Bertie’s friend Stinker Pinker needs his help. But helping his friend means venturing back into the dreaded Totleigh Towers and facing misadventures, from ill-fated romances to comical escapades, all set against the backdrop of a world filled with eccentric aunts, quirky friends, and a host of unforgettable characters. Featuring live jazz music, from our ensemble of actor-musicians - a jolly good time awaits you!
Book a picnic!
Local Supper Club, Husk, offers delicious picnic suppers delivered to our picnic field one hour before your show. More information and ordering here.
The Railway Children
Presented by Tethered Wits
Running time: 1 hour, including a 20 minute interval.
Suitable for all
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
Tethered Wits invites you to embark on a magical journey filled with fun, music, and heartwarming moments. Get ready to be transported to the enchanting world of Edith Nesbit's timeless masterpiece, "The Railway Children"!
Meet the Waterbury children: Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis. They are ordinary children living in an ordinary house, until one day, a mysterious event changes their lives forever. Forced to move to the countryside with their mother, they discover a world filled with adventure, friendship, and the heartwarming power of family.
The Waterburys live near a bustling railway, where every passing locomotive brings new mysteries, friendships, and discoveries. Our young heroes find themselves in the midst of a true adventure...
Impromptu Shakespeare
Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes, including a 20 minute interval. Suitable for all ages.
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
Sad that Shakespeare hasn’t written anything new for over 400 years? Well, hold onto your doublets, ruffs and trunk hose. The Bard is back! With story and verse improvised in the moment, enjoy a riotous new Shakespeare play every time – performed by Impromptu Shakespeare’s whip smart cast.
Packed with priceless wit, lyrical smarts, romance, and a dash of double-crossing, this leading ensemble do the Bard proud with a brand new one-act hit every time, inspired by audience suggestions.
Impromptu Shakespeare have been a smash hit at the Edinburgh Fringe and Bristol Shakespeare Festival, and have appeared on BBC Shakespeare Live.
“Shakespeare from the hip. Ingenious and very funny” – Will Gompertz, BBC Arts Editor
★★★★★ “Simply sublime, side-splittingly hilarious improvised comedy almost worthy of the Bard himself” – Broadway Baby
★★★★★ “Go and see this show. It’s intelligent, it’s funny, it’s all of the adjectives for brilliant. I’m still not sure how they did what they did” Pocket Size Theatre
WINNER: Best Comedy Event, Buxton Fringe 2021
Gourmet picnics delivered
Local Supper Club, Husk, offers gourmet picnic boxes delivered to our picnic field one hour before your show. More information and ordering here.
Amazing Animals (5pm)
Presented by Animal Madness
Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes, including a 20 minute interval.
Suitable for all
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
If you love animals, then you are going to love this show. A show dedicated to and celebrating all creatures great and small. The only show around where you get to see life-sized crocodiles, sloths, reindeer, dinosaurs, penguins, orangutans and maybe even a spraying skunk bursting out onto the stage right before your very eyes.
This heart-warming show, packed full of music, comedy and amazing animal effects, is suited to all ages from toddlers to grown-ups.
Book your family in and come and have a roarsome time.
The perfect family show for all ages to enjoy. However, don’t just take our word for it, here is what some of the reviews from our last tour said:
“Genuinely have never laughed and cried so much in one show. Brilliant entertainment, so much fun and incredibly informative…underpinned by such a powerful, emotive and important message about our planet and animals. All children (and adults) should see this show – it is absolutely incredible!”
Amazing Animals (2pm)
Presented by Animal Madness
Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes, including a 20 minute interval.
Suitable for all
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
If you love animals, then you are going to love this show. A show dedicated to and celebrating all creatures great and small. The only show around where you get to see life-sized crocodiles, sloths, reindeer, dinosaurs, penguins, orangutans and maybe even a spraying skunk bursting out onto the stage right before your very eyes.
This heart-warming show, packed full of music, comedy and amazing animal effects, is suited to all ages from toddlers to grown-ups.
Book your family in and come and have a roarsome time.
The perfect family show for all ages to enjoy. However, don’t just take our word for it, here is what some of the reviews from our last tour said:
“Genuinely have never laughed and cried so much in one show. Brilliant entertainment, so much fun and incredibly informative…underpinned by such a powerful, emotive and important message about our planet and animals. All children (and adults) should see this show – it is absolutely incredible!”
The Wizard of Oz
Presented by This Is My Theatre
Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes, including a 20 minute interval.
Suitable for all
charity. comedy. family. live music. opera. play. poetry. storytelling.
“There’s no place like home!”
When Dorothy Gale is carried from her home in Kansas by a cyclone she finds herself in the magical land of Oz. There she must journey to the Emerald City to meet with the great Wizard and, with the help of the friends she meets along the way, defeat the Wicked Witch of the West.
Based on the original novel by L. Frank Baum, children and adults alike will love this ever-popular story reimagined for the stage.
Written by Sarah Slator
Directed by Chloe Bond
Music by Simon Stallard
Of previous shows:
Grapevine Live
“Warm and welcoming, clever and creative – a wonderful afternoon of entertainment!” (The Wind in the Willows)
Visit Dean Wye
“A fun-filled family adventure, thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable!” (Treasure Island)
Picnics
Why not enjoy a delectable picnic whilst at the Theatre? Local supper club, Husk, offers gourmet picnic boxes delivered to our picnic field one hour before your show. More information and ordering here.