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Under the Summer Night Skies

Picnics and rugs at the ready for a cracking season of open-air theatre and concerts in North Norfolk this summer. Hannah Sole selects some of the highlights.

Wednesday 3rd August

Once Upon a Time there were Four Little Rabbits

Meet Beatrix Potter as she tells us her very first tale of Peter Rabbit, who knows only too well that he is not to go into Mr McGregor’s garden, (especially as it was there that his father met his untimely end!) But Peter cannot resist….. and it’s only after several nasty scrapes and minus all his clothes that he finally escapes home to a severe telling-off from his mother.

But Peter doesn’t learn his lesson and with his cousin Benjamin returns to the garden to recover his lost clothing. This time, however, there’s more danger on the prowl in the shape of Mr McGregor’s cat. Will Benjamin’s father come to the rescue in time and what will Mr McGregor make of those little footprints in his garden?

Follow the scrapes and escapades of all your favourite characters from the Peter Rabbit tales in Quantum Theatre’s delightful new production; a magical and enchanting experience for young and old alike.

Tickets: Adult £14, Child £10, Family £43. Tickets are available to book online at www.holkham.co.uk or telephone Holkham Ticket Office on 01328 713111. Holkham Walled Garden, 6.15pm, Holkham Estate, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1AB

Thursday 4th to Saturday 13th August

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Burnham Deepdale

Norfolk based theatre company, Strange Fascination, bring their open-air version of Shakespeare’s comedy to The Orchard at Dalegate Market, Burnham Deepdale. Expect a fast-paced journey of comedy, love, magic and adventure. Matinee and evening performances across the week. Tickets from £8. For dates, times and to book visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/strangefascinationtheatrecompany

Saturday 6th August

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mannington Hall Gardens

Rain or Shine theatre company are set to delight family audiences with their production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with a fast-paced jaunt filled with magic and mischief. Take low-backed seating or rugs and a picnic. Gates open at 6pm, performance 7pm. Tickets: adults £13, concessions £11, children (aged 5-15) £6 from 01263 584175 or www.rainorshine.co.uk

Wednesday 10th August

Peter Pan, Holkham Walled Garden

Chapterhouse Theatre Company present the unforgettable story of Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn’t grow up. Join Wendy, Michael and John Darling on their adventures with Peter, far away on the magical island of Neverland. Performance 6.15pm, tickets: adult £14, child £10, family £43, from Holkham Ticket Office 01328 713111 or www.holkham.co.uk

The Blickling Proms 2016, Blickling Estate

Friday 12th August

Classic Ibiza

The Urban Soul Orchestra and DJ Goldierocks (aka Sam Hall) plus vocalists Jina Burrows, Izzy Chase and Max Barnes-Davy will bring a taste of the white island to Blickling in one of the summer’s coolest dance parties. Gates open 5.30pm, concert from 8pm.

Saturday 13th August

Last Night of the Blickling Proms

Brit Award-winning trio BLAKE will perform with Sinfonia Viva, hosted by conductor Roderick Dunk. Along with traditional Proms favourites the concert will celebrate some of the most iconic film scores of all time. Gates open 4pm, concert from 7.30pm.

Advance tickets (price per concert): adults £35, children (aged 5-16) £16, available from www.revival-productions.co.uk or 01283 841601.

Wednesday 17th August

The Tempest, Thornham Village Hall Grounds

Gather round Heartbreak Productions’ stone circle to meet druids, bards and revellers who will perform a mystical rendition of Shakespeare’s final play. Bring picnics, rugs and low backed chairs. Gates open 6.30pm, performance 7.30pm. Suitable for children over 8 years. Tickets adults £12, concessions £10 from Box Office 01485 533933 or Hunstanton TIC 01485 532610.

Wednesday 24th August

Ratburger, Holkham Walled Garden, 6.15pm

After the phenomenal success of their adaptation of Mr Stink, (“Magnificent!” – David Walliams) Heartbreak Productions are back with the theatrical premiere of his book, Ratburger, adapted for the outdoor stage.

Voted the top children’s book of the year in 2012, David Walliams encourages us to support Zoe as she battles through a life littered with pitfalls and grizzly individuals. Dad’s been made redundant and her nasty neighbour, Tina Trotts, keeps flobbing on her head. Never giving up on her dream of travelling the world, and inspired by her love of animals, Zoe is determined to escape her home in a leaning tower block. But first she has to outwit the menacing Burt (of Burt’s Burgers) who is after Zoe and her pet rat!

Tickets: Adult £14, Child £10, Family £43. Tickets are available to book online at www.holkham.co.uk or telephone Holkham Ticket Office on 01328 713111. Holkham Walled Garden, Holkham Estate, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1AB

Saturday 27th August

A Celebration of the 80s, South Park, Holkham

Level 42 will be on stage with special guests Go West, Big Country, Heatwave, Jaki Graham and Nathan Moore from Brother Beyond. Gates open at 5pm, concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £34.50 (purchased before 1st August) and £39.50 (on/after 1st August) from www.livepromotions.co.uk or Holkham Ticket Office in person or by telephone 01328 713111.

Wednesday 31st August

Much Ado About Nothing, Holkham Walled Garden

Join The Lord Chamberlain’s Men for Shakespeare’s sparkling, battle-of-the-sexes comedy, Much Ado About Nothing. Performed in the open air, by an all-male cast with Elizabethan costume, music and dance. Tickets: adult £15, child £10, family £45. Tickets from www.holkham.co.uk or Holkham Ticket Office on 01328 713111.

Friday 16th and Saturday 17th September

The Summer Nights Film Festival, Blickling Estate

It’s returning for a second year, so get your friends together, pack a picnic and enjoy a night of fun under the stars watching Top Gun (Friday) and Grease (Saturday). Doors open 6.30pm, estimated start time 7.45pm. Book your tickets before 5th August to receive the early bird discount at summernightsfilm.co.uk or 01332 290606

Hannah Sole - North Norfolk Living
06/07/2016