New Forest’s biggest outdoor theatre run returns 

2 May 2024

A New Forest garden has unveiled its longest ever run of outdoor theatre for this summer, boasting a range of shows unrivalled in the National Park.

Furzey Gardens in Minstead is hosting 30 nights of outdoor theatre across the summer, ranging from classic drama and comic masterpieces, to thrilling sci-fi and family fun. There is something to suit all tastes and income will help the gardens continue to support people with learning disabilities.

Tickets are now on sale priced from £15 for the performances, which include:

• Handlebards present: The Comedy of Errors, 20 to 22 June
• The War of the Worlds, A radio drama, 4 to 6 July
• Pygmalion, 25 to 27 July
• London Touring Players present: Hay Fever, 3 to 26 August

The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare’s funniest plays. When two sets of estranged twins are brought together on the same island, this classic comedy takes hold, with mistaken identity, music and manic costume changes. The HandleBards provide plenty of madcap mayhem in this bicycle-powered production that promises to entertain the whole family.

The War of the Worlds – A radio drama is a fast paced and enthralling adaptation of H.G. Wells classic science fiction novel that will have you on the edge of your seats. Are these strange lights in the sky a natural phenomenon or something more sinister?

First staged over 100 years ago, Pygmalion is a tale of self-discovery and self-worth. This lovingly reworked adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s classic play, takes a humorous yet poignant look at the hollowness of the British class system.

Hay Fever is Noel Coward’s most scintillating comedy. Set on a heady summer weekend, at the country house of a once glittering star of the London stage. This hilarious comedy of bad manners is a comic masterpiece and features beloved comic classic songs such as ‘Mrs. Worthington” and ‘Mad Dogs and Englishmen’. The talented cast of London Touring Players return with live music, outstanding performances and plenty of comedy.

Andrew Bentley, Estates Manager at Furzey Gardens, said: ‘Over the last few years we have welcomed thousands of happy audience members to enjoy a fun evening of quality entertainment in our beautiful setting. This year we’ve got even more nights of theatre under the stars for audiences to enjoy and we are expecting tickets to sell fast.’

Furzey Gardens is run by local charity Minstead Trust and provides training and work experience for people with learning disabilities.

Buy tickets now