Open Air Theatre Festival 2009

1 August – Cheltenham’s ever-popular Open Air Theatre Festival at The Bacon Theatre will be returning this summer for more alfresco stage entertainment and films under the stars.

The Tuckwell Amphitheatre at Cheltenham’s Bacon Theatre will be playing host to the Open Air Theatre Festival once again in 2009, giving music lovers, drama fans, film buffs and families the perfect opportunity to pack deck chairs and picnics for 10 must-do events.

Celebrating its sixth birthday, organisers say audiences can expect another compelling mix of laid-back music, sophisticated Shakespeare, alfresco cinema, quirky theatre productions and local drama under the stars between Wednesday 15 July and Saturday 1 August 2009.

Set in an idyllic spot, The Open Air Theatre Festival will once again be catering to an eclectic range of audiences all hoping for a fantastic evening of entertainment on a balmy summer’s evening – booking tickets in advance cannot be recommended more strongly if this sounds like your cup of tea.

Jazz on a Summer’s Evening

Wednesday 15 July 2009

Always hugely popular, and always guaranteed to sell-out, Peter Gill will be returning to the festival for two performances in 2009. Don’t miss the chance to listen to the local performer’s laid-back jazz, blues and boogie woogie under the stars. This event starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £15, or £13 for concessions.

A Child in the Forest

Friday 17 July 2009

Jenny Wren Productions will be returning with the true story of Winifred Foley’s Forest of Dean childhood in this family performance of A Child in the Forest. Described as a tale of a girl with a lust for life, in the face of the poverty and hardship of the miners’ strike. This event starts at 7pm, and tickets cost £10, or £8 for concessions.

Emma

Saturday 18 July 2009

The audience will be invited to waltz your way through picnics, parties and posh frocks in this classic Regency rom-com performed by Heartbreak Productions. With live music, dance and audience interaction, the talented cast will be recreating some of the vibrant characters from Jane Austen’s novel. This event starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £14, or £12 for concessions.

Son of Rambow

Tuesday 21 July 2009

The hilarious, and touching, British flick Son of Rambow will have the Tuckwell Ampitheatre roaring with laughter during this 12A-rated comedy telling the tale of two friend’s adventures armed with a video camera and a copy of Rambo: First Blood. This event starts at 9.15pm, and tickets cost £6, or £5 for concessions.

The Taming of the Shrew

Wednesday 22 July 2009

Described as one of Shakespeare’s most sophisticated comedies, Rain or Shine’s The Taming of the Shrew is set to offer a humorous summer’s evening for all ages. Find out how the fiery ‘shrew’ Katharina fares when forced to protect her independence against the determined Petruchio. This event starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £12, or £10 for concessions.

Tartuffe

Saturday 25 July 2009

Bill Scott’s new adaptation of Molière’s sharp comedy is described as ‘as fresh and provoking as when it was banned in 1664’ by organisers. Performed by Miracle Theatre, expect a fast pace, bags of energy, original music and plenty of big wigs. This event starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £12, or £10 for concessions.

Babe, The Sheep-Pig

Sunday 26 July 2009

Families are invited to join the loveable sheep-pig Babe on his adventures from the farmyard to the The Grand Challenge Sheep Dog Trials, in David Wood’s play based on the book by Dick King-Smith. Plus, arrive early for face-painting and animal mask-making. This event starts at 5pm, and tickets cost £10 for adults, £7 for concessions, and £30 for a family.

Mamma Mia!

Tuesday 28 July 2009

See the smash-hit Mamma Mia! on Tuckwell Ampitheatre’s big screen under the stars this summer. The whole family will enjoy another chance to sing along to everything from ‘Dancing Queen’ to ‘Take a Chance on Me’ in the feel good film that broke the box office records. This event starts at 9.15pm, and tickets cost £16, or £5 for concessions.

The Merchant of Venice

Thursday 30 July 2009

The second dose of Shakespeare on the open air stage comes from the Festival Players, who will be bringing the Bard’s great comedy of riddles, romance, and revenge to life. Performed by an all-male company, the classic promises to deliver a richly costumed production designed to appeal to all ages. This event starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £12, or £10 for concessions.

More Jazz on a Summer’s Evening

Saturday 1 August 2009

Closing the Open Air Theatre Festival 2009 will be the ever-popular Cheltenham performer Peter Gill, for another fantastic helping of cool jazz for a balmy summer’s evening. Performing different songs this will be a night to compliment his earlier concert, finishing with a bang with a spectacular fireworks finale. This event starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £15, or £13 for concessions.

Event: The Open Air Theatre Festival 2009
Venue: Bacon Theatre
Dates: Wednesday 15 July to Saturday 1 August 2009
Times: Vary per event, see above for details.
Tickets: Vary per event, see above for details. To book contact the Bacon Theatre box office on (01242) 258002 or visit bacontheatre.co.uk directly.

SoGlos.com
20 May 2009