Theatre in the Park is returning to the beautifully crafted Open Air Theatre in Dartford’s Central Park, as part of the Council’s Summer Season of arts and events for Dartford locals.
Another year of theatre at the town’s purpose-built outdoor stage kicks off on Wednesday 3rd July with Changeling performing Jessica Swale’s production of ‘Nell Gwynn’, which originally premiered at Shakespeare’s Globe in 2015 and received the 2016 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. The play charts the rise of an unlikely heroine in 1660 London, from her roots in Coal Yard Alley, to her success as Britain’s most celebrated actress, and her hard won place in the heart of the King.
Following this on Wednesday 24th July is Illyria’s take on Mary Shelley’s classic ‘Frankenstein’. From the company that brought us last year’s brilliant ‘Pirates of Penzance’, this brand new production features a fully orchestrated music score, spectacular stage effects, puppetry and flashes of wickedly dark humour.
The season comes to a close with none other than William Shakespeare’s ‘The Winter’s Tale’, a wonderful fairy story set in Sicily and Bohemia. Featuring all the crazy antics of the Changeling companies’ magic, plus beautiful costumes and a gripping story, this is sure to be a fitting way to conclude another stellar season of performances.
Councillor Jeremy Kite, Leader of the Council said, “We’re looking forward to some great performances at the Outdoor Theatre this summer. Since we unveiled the open air theatre in Central Park it’s proved incredibly popular with residents and we’re delighted to continue bringing you three fabulous plays to enjoy over the summer months each year.”
Ticket prices for all performances will be just £5 for Dartford residents, available via the Council’s online booking system in April, with all proceeds going towards more outdoor performances in future.
As always, guests are invited to bring along a blanket and a picnic to make a real family evening of it, we’ll see you there!
More information, along with details of other events taking place this summer, can be found at www.dartford.gov.uk/events