Lancaster’s Williamson Park will be transformed this summer into a topsy-turvy kaleidoscopic world of nonsense, riddles and mischief.
The Dukes Theatre’s walkabout show in the park this year is a production of Lewis Carroll's timeless classic Alice in Wonderland. Scenes will be set in locations around the park, as Alice encounters curious characters, nonsensical riddles, and enchanting landscapes.
The new Dukes CEO, Chris Lawson, said: ‘We have a fantastic creative team working on this production and we're excited to present what will be a show full of fantastic family fun. This will be my first time working with the Dukes team on the Play in the Park, but I'm excited to see what we create, the team here are full of enthusiasm and excitement as we start the journey on creating another adventure in the beautiful Williamson Park this summer.’
The Dukes pioneered outdoor theatre in the mid-1980s and many more have followed in their wake – parks, gardens and public spaces all over Lancashire will stage productions by travelling players this summer.
The troupes will entertain at some of the most attractive settings in the county, from the parkland at Lytham Hall to the intimate arena at Liverpool’s Crosby Hall and Brockholes Nature Reserve at Preston.
And the expansive verdant parklands and colourful formal gardens surrounding our grandest stately homes provide perfect locations for outdoor shows. Leighton Hall, home of the Gillow family at Carnforth, Brantwood, the historic home of John Ruskin overlooking Coniston, black and white Rufford Old Hall near Ormskirk, and the sculpted gardens of Ordsall Hall in the heart of Salford will each provide the backdrop to drama this summer.
Lytham Hall, standing in 80 acres of parkland, typifies the locations. The Georgian mansion, built by Thomas Carr for the Clifton family, provides an arena lined with 200 year old trees ideal for open air performance.
Full houses of 500 are expected once more at what has become the best attended ‘pop up’ venue in England for this summer’s six productions.
Julian Wilde who has developed the programme at Lytham Hall over the past 15 summers – raising £87,000 for the continuing development of the hall and parklands along the way –says: ‘An outdoor production engages all your senses and the atmosphere is unique. The closeness of the stage and the ability of the cast to involve their audience constantly surprises delighted newcomers.’
Illyria, one of the country’s longest-established outfits who are celebrating 32 years on the road, will bring four productions to Lytham Hall this summer, including a rare open air production of the Gilbert and Sullivan favourite ‘The Gondoliers’.
Illyria is the brain-child of artistic director Oliver Gray who believes in making a virtue of their small casts of five versatile actors.
‘Doubling up of roles and strong ensemble playing is the beating heart of Illyria’s work and it brings us distinctive opportunities for added humour.’
It’s show time
Ordsall Hall, M5 3AN. The Importance of Being Earnest (July 3), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (July14), The Comedy of Errors (August 3), As You Like It (August 20) and The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck (August 25). ordsallhall.com
Lytham Hall, FY8 4JX. Little Women (July12), Romeo and Juliet (July 19), The Gondoliers (August 11), The Adventures of Dr Dolittle (August 18), The Hound of the Baskervilles (August 23). lythamhall.org.uk
Brantwood, LA21 8SD. Romeo and Juliet (July 16), The Hound of the Baskervilles (August 20). brantwood.org.uk
Crosby Hall, L23 4UA. The Adventures of Dr Dolittle (July14). chetcentre.org.uk
July19-August 25: Williamson Park, Lancaster LA1 3DZ. Alice in Wonderland, Dukes Theatre, 01524 598500, tickets@dukeslancaster.org
Leighton Hall, LA5 9ST. The Tempest (July 25). leightonhall.co.uk
Rufford Old Hall, L40 1SG. Little Women (July 5), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (August 9). nationaltrust.org.uk
Brockholes Nature Reserve, PR5 0AG. As You Like It (July 21), Angelica Sprocket’s Pockets (August 25). lancswt.org.uk
