Enjoy some al fresco theatre this summer
You know it’s summer when you are sitting with a blanket on your knees, the sun is setting and you are chomping on popcorn ready to watch a play in the open air.And you are really spoilt for choice in Wales this summer as there are many places you can go
The theatre company returns with a unique take on Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
Join the Magic Staff Liner Corporation and indulge yourself with a jaunt on the newest addition to their fleet – their number one luxury ocean liner, The Remembrance. Let their crew take care of your every worry, your every woe on their 10-year anniversary cruise to the Island that Time Forgot. Where? Thompson’s Park, Cardiff, today and tomorrow, Roath Park on June 18, Beaumaris Castle, June 21, and Denbigh Castle on June 23 and 24. Tickets: www.chapter.org
MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT
Monty Python’s Spamalot gallops into Sophia Gardens (to the sound of banging coconut shells) as part of The Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival, which is run by Everyman.
The uproariously witty spoof of King Arthur and his knights’ quest for the Holy Grail boasts a high-kicking knights’ chorus line, killer rabbits, and a knight who continues duelling even after losing his arms and legs.
All of the hilarities of Monty Python and the Holy Grail are even funnier set to the rollicking music of the Round Table Knights and the mysterious, definitively diva Lady of the Lake. Where? Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, June 22 until July 1. Tickets: cardiffopenairtheatrefestival. co.uk or box office 0333 666 3366.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Illyria’s production of Jane Austen’s glorious social comedy attracted sell-out audiences for four consecutive years. It toured throughout the UK and Europe, attracted nationwide critical acclaim and at its run at the 2003 Edinburgh Fringe, the queue for returns stretched around the block.
If your idea of Jane Austen is costume drama, empire lines and tea parties, then this sparkling adaptation, based entirely on the original novel, is something to make you change your mind.
Bring a picnic and have a ball as the irrepressible Illyria sharpen their claws to bring you Jane Austen at her vibrant, pacy, forthright, bitchy best. Where? Cardigan Castle, June 25, Chepstow Castle, July 7, St Donat’s Castle, July 16, and Plas Glyn-y-Weddw Arts Centre, July 26. Tickets: www.illyria.uk.com/pride-andprejudice/4593777353
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
In the bard’s shortest, funniest and most rumbustious comedy two sets of identical twins, separated at birth, unknowingly end up in the same city, and through a series of chance meetings their lives and sanity begin to unravel.
This year Illyria’s Shakespeare production is relocated to the town of Ephesus, Mexico, and is performed by their very own five-piece Mariachi band, resplendent in ponchos and sombreros. Where? Nantclwyd y Dre, Ruthin, June 25, Cardigan Castle, July 9, Oystermouth Castle, Mumbles, July 26, Harlech Castle, August 3, Abergavenny Castle Grounds, August 5, Plas Glyn-y-Weddw Arts Centre, August 16 and Montgomery Castle on August 17. Tickets: www.illyria.co.uk/ IllyriaCOEtourschedule2017.htm
THE DESERT DAYDREAMER
Meet the dancing daydreamer, a gigantic cruel-hearted Grandmother, a startled Ostrich named Geoffrey and a very rude parrot.
The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama’s puppeteers bring this tragic and extraordinary tale to life.
For ages seven and over. Where? Dyffryn Gardens, St Nicholas, June 30 to July 5. Tickets: 029 2039 1391
SHAKESPEARE’S THE TEMPEST
The Tempest is presented by Anvil Productions. Enjoy this classic Shakespearean play in the wonderful setting of the beautiful garden courtyard.
Take blankets, lots of layers and a delicious picnic to enjoy. No matter what the weather, the show will go on. Gates open at 6.30pm. Where? Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion, June 30. Call: 01545 573024
THE VICAR OF DIBLEY
The Vicar of Dibley is based on the popular BBC sitcom, which was
launched in 1994 and sees Dawn French playing vicar Geraldine Granger, who is outgoing, vivacious and fun-loving, as well as caring and committed to her flock but her ebullient ways do not initially endear her to the head of the Parish Council.
The Vicar of Dibley is being brought to the stage in Cardiff as part of the 2017 Everyman Open Air Theatre Festival. Where? Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, July 6-15. Tickets: cardiffopenairtheatrefestival.co.uk or box office 0333 666 3366.
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men present a magical and comically entwined tale of mistaken identity follows merchants, masters, parents, servants and a long-suffering wife as it plays itself out over the course of one hectic day.
Take a rug, a picnic and spend a glorious summer’s evening watching this funny, magical and fast-paced production of one of Shakespeare’s best comedies.
Performed in the open air with music and dance by an all-male cast in Elizabethan costumes. Where? Cardiff Castle, July 6 and 7. Tickets: www.cardiffcastle.com
BWYSTFILOD
Come sing, dance, clap, boo, scream, laugh and hiss at the monsters in this mobile puppet show.
It’s a magical, fun-filled presentation focusing on some of the local legends of North Wales, including a lonely little beaver, an ugly, selfish mermaid, and a cheeky gnome who knocks on the quarry walls to scare the miners!
Penrhyn Castle is hosting two performances of this lively show by Theatr Bara Caws, which is celebrating its own 40th anniversary. Where? Penrhyn Castle, Bangor, July 15
MACBETH
Shakespeare’s tale of treachery, murder and black magic comes to Cardiff’s open-air festival care of Everyman Theatre. Where? Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, July 20-29. Tickets: cardiffopenairtheatrefestival.co.uk or box office 0333 666 3366.
THE MIKADO
In 2011 Illyria raised the bar for the major UK open-air touring theatre companies by becoming the first and only one to add operetta to its regular season.
Performed by a cast of six actors/ singers accompanied by a musical director on keyboards, it gets the complete Illyria treatment, and is produced on a stage boasting a strikingly large (and authentic) Japanese torii gate. Where? Chepstow Castle, July 22, Abergavenny Castle Grounds, August 7, Cardigan Castle, August 27, and St Donat’s Castle, August 28. Tickets: www.illyria.uk.com/themikado/4593777362
DISNEY’S ALADDIN JR
Everyman Theatre is putting this show on for the kids at its Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival where they will become immersed in Agrabah, the city of enchantment.
All of the favourites will be there including Aladdin, Jasmine and Genie.
With magic, mayhem, flying carpets and songs including Friend Like Me and A Whole New World, Disney’s Aladdin Junior is sure to be a hit for the whole family. Where? Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, July 22-29. Tickets: cardiffopenairtheatrefestival.co.uk or box office 0333 666 3366.
THE LOST WORLD
Four intrepid explorers, led by the redoubtable Professor Challenger, travel to an uncharted plateau in South America following a few scant directions scribbled in a sketch book.
But when their camera is destroyed in an accident, what evidence can they produce to prove that these creatures actually exist? Unless, of course, they bring live specimens back to London in “unbreakable” crates to reveal to an astounded public. Where? Chepstow Castle, July 22, Abergavenny Castle Grounds, August 6, Cardigan Castle, August 15, Bryngarw Country, August 30, and Harlech Castle, September 1.
Tickets: www.illyria.uk.com/the-lostworld/4593777356
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
Join Badger, Ratty, Mole and Toad for a perfect summer of adventure. What starts as a search for the best picnic spot rapidly turns into the most hilarious of escapades.
Alive with music and song, this magical family show is presented in beautiful traditional costume and features a woodland parade during the interval for everyone to join in with.
There will be fun and frolics with this adaptation of the classic novel loved by children and adults alike. Where? Powis Castle, Welshpool, July 23, and Erddig, Wrexham, August 12. Tickets: 0844 249 1985.
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES
Based on the timeless Hans Christian Andersen story, Illyria first performed this show in 2000 when it was Critic’s Choice at the Edinburgh Fringe festival and attracted multiple five-star reviews on a sellout UK tour.
Now in their 26th season they return with one of the most famous cautionary tales ever told. As in so many of Hans Christian Andersen’s stories, beneath the fancy clothes of the tale lies something more meaningful, human weaknesses are satirised mercilessly, and a capacity for loving is the highest value. Where? Cardigan Castle, July 27, Abergavenny Castle Grounds, August 6, and Plas Glyn Y Weddw Arts Centre, Pwllheli, August 8.
Tickets: www.illyria.uk.com/ home/4552688708
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Take a step back in time with Chapterhouse Theatre Company to meet Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Austen’s most loveable heroine.
Brought to life by award winning writer Laura Tuner, this new adaptation celebrates the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death and promises to be the most splendid evening of the summer.
So, join friends and family as you picnic under a beautiful summer sky and lose yourself in this unforgettable love story. After all, it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. Where? Erddig, Wrexham, August 5. Tickets: 0844 2491895