Open Air Theatre

Outdoor Theatre 2022

Summer of fun

Enjoy the entertainment of theatre, outside in the wonderful surroundings of Brockholes.

For 2022 we have two fantastic productions suitable for various age groups, both guaranteed to provide you with a fantastic afternoon of entertainment.

All productions are brought to you by Heartbreak Productions.

Awful Auntie Outdoor Theatre

Illustration © Tony Ross 2014. Lettering of author’s name © Quentin Blake 2010. Licensed by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.

Awful Auntie

The new playground at the Saxby Hall Orphanage is finally complete, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you. The orphanage was founded by Stella Saxby, who some of you may remember. Her parents were killed in a car crash in 1933, leaving her an orphan, all alone with her Awful Auntie.

And when we say awful, we mean awful. Aunt Alberta and her best friend Wagner, a vicious Bavarian owl, tried everything they could to torment Stella into signing over the deed to Saxby Hall. But Stella, with the help of her friend Soot (the ghost of a chimney sweep, but friends come in all shapes and sizes, don’t they?) fought off Aunt Alberta, saved Saxby Hall, and gifted the beautiful Saxby Hall to be used as an orphanage.

Awful Auntie by David Walliams, adapted for the outdoor stage by Heartbreak Productions, is a truly thrilling tale. Owls, ghosts, chases, escapes, motorcycle rides, and tiddlywinks all fill Stella’s days as she evades her menacing Aunt and saves the family home. So, please join us at the dedication of the new playground at Saxby Hall and hear how it all came about.

Make sure you bring a blanket or chair to sit on, weather-appropriate gear, and a picnic, as the tale could take some time to tell, and storytelling can be hungry work!

Children must be accompanied by an adult with a ticket. The production is recommended for children aged 7+

Click here to book

 

Much Ado About Murder

Much Ado About Murder

Don your detective cap and join Heartbreak Productions for some super silliness this summer. Our original murder mystery will set five suspects under the spotlight, and we will depend on the audience to find answers. Who was lurking in the corridor carrying a candlestick? When did the third gunshot go off – before or after the very silly song? And probably most importantly, why didn’t you pack a larger picnic?

answers to these and other equally important questions will only be uncovered as we make Much Ado About Murder (an original murder mystery by Heartbreak Productions, performed, as are all our shows, outdoors, so check the weather, dress appropriately, and bring a picnic).

Children must be accompanied by an adult with a ticket. The production is recommended for children aged 7+

Click here to book

Important Information

  • This is an outdoor performance. Please come dressed for the weather conditions and bring something to sit on e.g. picnic rug or folding chairs. We do not provide or hire out chairs. Gazebo's are not permitted. If it rains the event still goes ahead!
  • The event will take place on a grass surface, subject to ground conditions. If the ground is water logged, the performance will take place on hard standing and we will contact you by email to let you know. 
  • You are welcome to bring a picnic. Refreshments will also be on sale. No BBQ's please.
  • Performance starts at 5.00pm, Performance area opens at 4.00pm to allow you time to set up your chairs and picnic!
  • Running time is 2 hours 20 minutes including an interval.
  • Tickets include free car parking for the full day. Details of how to claim this will be included with your booking confirmation.
  • Toilets are located on our floating Visitor Village. This is around a 10 minute walk from the Theatre Field. We do not hire in portable toilets for the event field as we would have to pass the cost on to you via your ticket fee.