As the open air theatre season gets into full swing, Alexia Lavender and Victoria Chapman look at the best and most exciting open air shows on offer in Surrey & SW London.
The Lord Chamberlain's Men
Surrey and SW London are not short of atmospheric open air spaces that provide an excellent setting for outdoor entertainment. From Shakespeare to Austen, there are shows to suit a variety of tastes and ages this summer...
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Polesden Lacey
The grounds at Polesden Lacey are breathtaking enough to make anyone swoon, including the Queen Mother and King George VI, whom spent part of their honeymoon here in 1923. The picturesque grounds are ranked as the #1 thing to see in Guildford on Tripadvisor, making it the perfect setting for some wondrous outdoor theatre.
Every Sunday throughout the summer, Polesden Lacey hosts an array of jazz musicians and bands for you to sit back, listen to and enjoy whilst lazing around on the grass outside in the sunshine.
August 5, 12, 19, 26 & 27. 2 - 4pm (Apart from August 12: there are performances from noon - 2pm and 2:30pm - 4:30pm).
To book, call 01372 452048 or visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden-lacey/features/lazy-jazz-sundays-at-polesden-lacey
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Kew Gardens
You'd be hard pressed to find an area with more natural beauty than Kew's world famous botanical gardens; what a unique spot to sit back and enjoy theatre al fresco. This summer, Lewis Carroll's famous tale Alice in Wonderland is being recreated in the grounds of Kew.
The story, set in the woods amongst animals and magic is perfectly set in the gardens of Kew and will act as a perfect way to spend a summer's afternoon in an idyllic setting.
July 21 to August 27; Tuesday to Sunday 10.30am, Friday and Saturday 10.30am and 2pm.
To book, call 020 8050 2616 or visit: hello@theatreonkew.co.uk
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The Hawth, Crawley
There's an array of different theatre to suit all ages and tastes at The Hawth's delightful grass amphitheatre this summer.
Blithe Spirit - Saturday 4 August - 7:30pm
The Merchant Venice - Friday 10th August - 7pm
Buy your tickets by calling 01293 553636 or visit https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/The-Hawth
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Hatchlands Park
There's something for everyone at Hatchlands Park this summer.
Peter Pan - August 8 and 9, 6pm-8.30pm
The Princess and the Giant - August 23, 6pm-8pm
Pride and Prejudice - August 12, 6pm-8:30pm
The Tempest - August 5, 7-9:15pm
All tickets available at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlands-park/lists/summer-theatre-and-cinema-in-2018-at-hatchlands-park
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Morden Hall Park
SixteenFeet Productions are back with another classic tale, Wind in the Willows this summer in the Rose Garden at Morden Hall Park.
The Wind in the Willows - August 3-6.
To book tickets, call 03442491895 or email mordenhallparkevents@nationaltrust.org.uk
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York House Gardens
York House Gardens Sion Road, Twickenham, TW1 3DDShakespeare's most popular and delightful comedy – set largely in a wood outside Athens and culminating in a massed wedding – is the perfect summer evenings entertainment for the Richmond Shakespeare Society's annual summer show. The play brings together the formality of the military court, the boisterous enthusiasm of “The Rude Mechanicals” and the mysterious charged night-world of the Fairie in a production will be inspired by the 1940s and steampunk.
July 16-21: Midsummer Night's Dream
7.45pm, matinee at 3pm on Saturday, production by Richmond Shakespeare Society
To book tickets, call 020 8744 0547 or visit: richmondshakespeare.org.uk
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Claremont Landscape Garden
The Reluctant Dragon, written by Kenneth Grahame, author of the classic Wind in the Willows, is a tale of charm and companionship, certain to offer both adults and children an evening of humour, magic and excitement, all in the heart of leafy Esher.
The Reluctant Dragon - July 20, 6pm-9pm
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Guildford Castle Grounds
Castle St, Guildford District, GU1 3UW
The Guildford Castle Gardens were opened to the public in 1888 to mark Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee of the previous year. The gardens display an array of colourful flowers centred on the 11th century Castle Keep that are quite literally fit for royalty.
In July, The Herald Players are performing Treasure Island at Guildford Bandstand. Join Jim Hawkins and his fellow pirates as they embark on a family-friendly journey to Treasure Island.
Treasure Island - July 25-28. 7:30pm.
For tickets, call 01483 444334 or visit www.guildford.gov.uk/visitguildford
If you're more interested in musical entertainment, there are free music performances throughout the summer:
Norwood Wind Ensemble - August 12 - 2-4pm
Herd of Sax - August 19 - 2-4pm
The Mighty Lemons - Sept 2 - 2-4pm
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Alex Brenner
Battersea Arts Centre
Battersea Arts Centre is well-established in bringing stories to life on stage indoors, but its recently created courtyard creates an even more atmospheric outdoor theatre experience. The audience have the option to view performances from the stalls which border the stage area, or from a standing area in the first floor gallery.
July 20, 8.30pm, Stories in the Moonlight comes to the courtyard, where three big voices tell dramatic stories throughout the evening, supported by musical accompaniment.
Tickets available at https://www.bac.org.uk/content/45085/whats_on/whats_on/shows/stories_in_the_moonlight
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Waverley Abbey House
Waverley Lane, Farnham, GU9 0JA
Set against the charming backdrop of Waverley Abbey House, this Georgian mansion is a perfect setting for the performance of a Tudor-set play focussing on the life and experience of Anne Boleyn.
Moving effortlessly between comedy and tragedy, fear and hope, the Guildbury's Theatre Group takes its audiences on a journey through the complex relationship of Henry VIII and his infamous second wife.
Anne Boleyn - July 11-14. 8pm. (Plus a 2pm performance on Saturday.)
Tickets available at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/guildburystheatrecompany
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Osterley Park and House
Jersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 4RB
Osterley Park is a truly stunning estate, designed by architect Robert Adam, and could fool you into thinking that you were in the picturesque countryside rather than urban Hounslow.
This July, it is hosting a performance of Oscar Wilde's A Woman of No Importance, skilfully adapted by DOT Productions. The Walled Garden, alongside the Tudor Stables is a ideal location to enjoy a picnic and a glass of wine in the sun prior to the performance.
A Woman of No Importance - July 28th, 7pm.
Tickets available by calling 020 8232 5050 or emailing osterley@nationaltrust.org.uk
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Chiswick House
SixteenFeet Productions continues their tour of Wind in the Willows with original music by Guy Holden. This adaptation of the classic tale takes you on a journey of friendship and adventure with truly unforgettable characters in the grounds of a stunning venue.
August 21-24, shows at 11.30am and 2.30pm
Tickets available at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/chiswick-house
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