8 Reasons To Book Tickets For The Festival Theatre This Summer

Katy Mason
May 18
4 min read

Updated: May 21

This Summer sees the return of popular cultural event, The Festival Theatre, for its most extensive season yet. Boasting an extensive array of unforgettable performances, this year’s offerings will take place at three of Kent’s iconic, historic locations - Hever Castle, Penshurst Place & Gardens and Chiddingstone Castle.

Running between May and October, The Festival Theatre's eclectic programme of theatrical and musical events celebrates both the county’s rich heritage and vibrant arts scene. From children’s theatre, comedy shows and immersive performances; right through to opera, historical speakers and jazz nights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Here are eight reasons to book tickets for The Festival Theatre this Summer…

The performances are set in stunning locations

How often can you say that you’ve taken part in a silent disco at an Italian Loggia, watched Macbeth on the lawns of a contemporary castle or listened to the music of James Bond in a 15th century garden?

Taking audiences outside of traditional theatres and immersing them in some of Kent’s most breathtakingly picturesque historic locations, The Festival Theatre adds an extra layer of awe and wonder to these amazing cultural performances.

Steeped in history, whilst being surrounded by magnificent architecture and country views, all three of the festival’s unique locations will no doubt take your breath away before the shows themselves have even started!

There’s such a huge variety on offer

Whether your ideal night out is raving under the stars, listening to chilled jazz or laughing at a comedic take on history, there really is something for everyone in the Festival Theatre's extensive Summer-long schedule.

Youngsters will love shows such as poetry and rap performance, The Great Big Dinosaur Show (Hever Castle, 27th May); puppet extravaganza Space Chickens (Chiddingstone Castle, 27th July); or even adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s classic, The Wind In The Willows (Hever Castle, 15th June).

Meanwhile for adults, highlights include comedy adventure The Rivals (Hever Castle, 31st May), a reimagining of operetta The Mikado (Hever Castle, 26th May), Ronnie Scott’s Legends of Jazz (Hever Castle, 15th June) and tour of the West End production, The Elvis Years (Hever Castle, 13th July).

You can make a day of it

In addition to a brilliant theatre experience, tickets for matinee performances at Hever Castle also grant access to the grounds after the show, meaning you can really make the most of your day out. You can also purchase a reduced rate day ticket if booked with your theatre tickets.

If visiting for one of the family friendly shows, the kids will love exploring the mazes and adventure playgrounds of Hever Castle. Meanwhile, adults can marvel at the incredible 14th century architecture, magnificent gardens and expansive lake.

For evening performances, visitors can access the grounds from 6.30pm, which also offers the chance to wander the gardens and enjoy some food at one of the castle’s eateries before the main event begins.

Similarly, book day tickets for Chiddingstone Castle or Penshurst Place & Gardens to spend more time soaking up these wonderful heritage sites.

People enjoying the grounds of Hever Castle

It’s so easy to book and makes a great gift

Tickets are on sale now and can either be booked online or in person at the box office. If you’re feeling spontaneous, you can even buy them on the day itself before the show starts, subject to availability.

Festival gift vouchers are also available (at the value of between £5-£60) which would make for a memorable, unique and environmentally-friendly present for someone special. The vouchers are emailed and can be redeemed either by phone or online.

It includes its very own history festival

For serious history fans, there’s even a festival within a festival! The History Festival at Hever Castle runs from 19th - 21st September and promises captivating Q&As, book signings and talks from a range of the UK’s highly esteemed historians.

Curated by Hever’s resident historians, Dr Owen Emmerson and Kate McCaffrey, this year’s focus will be on the Tudor and Stuart eras and offers a programme of engaging and entertaining subjects and speakers. Talks include Keepers of the Royal Wardrobe with Dr Eleri Lynn; Thomas More: Man, Myth & Mystery with Dr Joanne Paul and Dr Owen Emmerson; and Anne Boleyn and the French with Dr Estelle Paranque.

Each event is a double bill with two talks delivered by the experts in Hever Castle’s relaxed open-air theatre setting.

It’s a brilliant introduction to theatre for children

With shows on throughout half term, on weekends and over the Summer holidays, there are plenty of opportunities to take the whole family to The Festival Theatre.

With high production values, a relaxed atmosphere and immersive experiences on offer, it’s a great way to encourage a love of the theatre in children. Visit one of the show’s as a family or mention to their school to see about doing a group outing to see one of the fabulous performances.

Whether you take them to their first Shakespeare play or revel in the comedic silliness of Horrible Histories, a day at the festival is certain to be a memorable experience.

It’s a sustainable event which celebrates local culture, talent and heritage

The festival has sustainability and the local community at its heart. From single use plastic and biomass heating, through to encouraging staff to carshare and limiting noise pollution, the event strives to take a considerate and positive approach.

The volunteer team and staff are made up of local community members, encouraging engagement and local knowledge, whilst reducing the staff carbon footprint. In addition, the festival supports local businesses and initiatives, offering discounted or free tickets to school groups and community organisations.

All of this and more makes it a extremely positive celebration of the Garden of England, our wealth of talent and the fascinating heritage of the historic sites.