Cheltenham Open-Air Theatre Festival

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

The Tuckwell Amphitheatre at Cheltenham’s Bacon Theatre will be playing host to the Open-Air Theatre Festival once again in 2011, giving music lovers, drama fans, film buffs and families the perfect opportunity to pack deck chairs and picnics for a host of must-see events.

Celebrating its eighth 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 Sunday 17 and Saturday 30 July 2011.

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.

Plus, new for 2011, Montpellier’s popular Gusto will be serving beers, wine and ice-cream from its onsite Caffe throughout the festival, with the chance to also order hampers as well.

A Night at the Musicals

Sunday 17 July 2011

Launching the festival fortnight will be local talent Philomusica, a mixed choir of around 100 members aged 8 to 80.

The choir will be singing a set from Joseph, Showboat, Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables favourites under the stars.

This event starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £8, or £4 for children available from ticketweb.co.uk.

Cinema Under The Stars: Little Shop of Horrors

Tuesday 19 July 2011

With little need of an introduction, this first Cinema Under the Stars flick sees Seymour’s world turned upside down by the arrival of a mysterious new plant that has an unusual diet, in this cult musical comedy.

This event starts at 9.15pm, and tickets cost £6 or £5 for concessions available from ticketweb.co.uk.

The Death of Sherlock Holmes

Wednesday 20 July 2011

Staged by Cornwall’s Miracle Theatre, audiences will witness Dr Watson’s investigation of the most unusual case – the murder of his boss Sherlock Holmes.

Expect plenty of laughter and period intrigue from this popular company, not to mention a few inebriated fairies.

This event starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £13 or £11 for concessions available from ticketweb.co.uk.

Much Ado About Nothing

Friday 22 July 2011

Staged by the popular Gloucester-based Rain or Shine Theatre Company, Tuckwell Amphitheatre will be filled with the sound of laughter when Shakespeare’s romantic comedy is performed by the professional troupe.

This event starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £13 or £11 for concessions available from ticketweb.co.uk.

Around the World in 80 Days

Saturday 23 July 2011

Local company Jenny Wren Productions will be performing a modern adaptation of the Jules Verne classic on stage in Cheltenham.

Find out how the punctual Phileas Fogg fares in this family-friendly re-telling, complete with five actors playing a total of 39 characters.

This event starts at 7pm, and tickets cost £10 or £8 for concessions available from ticketweb.co.uk.

The Mole Who Knew It Was None of his Business

Sunday 24 July 2011

An open-air theatre treat for the whole family sees this eccentric tale aimed at children aged 4 and above land in the Tuckwell Amphitheatre, complete with face-painting and picnics before the show.

Described as an entertaining hunt for who pooed on a mole’s head, the musical adaptation of the children’s picture book promises to be popular.

This event starts at 5pm, and tickets cost £10, £7 for concessions or £30 for a family available from ticketweb.co.uk.

Cinema Under the Stars: Africa United

The second Cinema Under the Stars title sees three Rwandan children set off on a journey to the Football World Cup in South Africa – 3,000 miles away. As they walk they gather an unlikely gang and encounter dangerous, funny and bizarre situations.

This event starts at 9.15pm, and tickets cost £6 or £5 for concessions available from ticketweb.co.uk.

The Canterbury Tales

Wednesday 27 July 2011

The critically-acclaimed theatre company The Pantaloons will be bringing Chaucer’s work to life in a variety of energetic and exuberant theatrical styles.

From silent movies to Shakespearean, audiences can expect an entertaining evening as well as the chance to choose which tales are performed.

This event starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £12 or £10 for concessions available from ticketweb.co.uk.

The Taming of the Shrew

Friday 29 July 2011

Cheltenham theatre-lovers will be transported to Padua for Heartbreak Productions’ special 20th anniversary performance of Shakespeare’s comedy.

Beautifully staged and brilliantly acted, the outdoor play is said to be suitable for ages 8 to 80.

This event starts at 7pm, and tickets cost £13 or £11 for concessions available from ticketweb.co.uk.

Jazz on a Summer’s Evening

Saturday 30 July 2011

Closing the Open-Air Theatre Festival 2011 will be the ever-popular Cheltenham performer Peter Gill, for another fantastic helping of cool jazz for a balmy summer’s evening.

Performing jazz, blues and boogie woogie, the concert will finish with a bang with a spectacular fireworks finale.

This event starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £15 available from ticketweb.co.uk.

Please note the Jazz on a Summer's Evening concert has now sold-out.

Book Open-Air Theatre Festival tickets directly through ticketweb.co.uk.