OPEN AIR THEATRE
FESTIVAL 2008
At the Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Dean
Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham.
TUESDAY 15TH JULY - FRIDAY 1ST
AUGUST
This summer heralds the return of
the Open Air Theatre Festival in the splendid Tuckwell Amphitheatre,
in the heart of Cheltenham. Now in its fifth year, The Open Air
Theatre Festival has become synonymous with laid-back music, classic
Shakespeare, compelling cinema and quirky theatre productions for
the whole family; all between the 15th July and the 1st August.
Speaking on behalf of the Bacon
Theatre, Jess Waterman said: "After the gloomy summer months in
2007, we are cracking open the suntan lotion and preparing for a
warm and cheery festival this year, with a packed programme of
vibrant events in the luscious Tuckwell Amphitheatre."
This year Peter Gill and Friends
will be treating audiences to two musical evenings, opening with,
Jazz on a Summer's Evening, on Tuesday 15th July and closing the
festival with More Jazz on a Summer's Evening, on Friday 1st August,
including a magnificent firework finale.
"Peter Gill is a renowned
musician and a charming performer and his sell-out open-air concerts
are always a delight. We are hoping that, with the additional
evening this year, we will not have to turn so many people away." (Jess Waterman, for the Festival)
For bard enthusiasts the festival
will include three of Shakespeare's well-loved plays: Much Ado About
Nothing, from the highly acclaimed Festival Players, on Wednesday
23rd July; A Winter's Tale, by Rain or Shine, on Sunday 20th July;
and a sumptuous rendition of A Midsummer Night's Dream, by
Heartbreak Productions, on Thursday 31st July.
Miracle Theatre will be stunning
audiences of all ages, on Thursday 17th July, with their physical
and highly original adaptation of the classic Greek legend, Jason.
Chapterhouse Theatre will also be indulging young audiences with a
lively performance of Sleeping Beauty, on Sunday 27th July,
including a costume parade for budding princes and princesses.
"Vibrant family events in the
Open-Air Festival are excellent fun. The face painting and fancy
dress are a real bonus, but above all else the performances are
always quirky and colourful." (Jess Waterman, for the Festival)
Open-air film fanatics will be
welcomed to two very different cinema experiences in the Tuckwell:
The iconic film, Summer Holiday [U], on Tuesday 22nd July, featuring
a fun-filled sunny holiday and the legendary Sir Cliff Richard; and
Brick Lane [15], a truly contemporary story of love, cultural
difference and the strength of the human spirit, on Tuesday 29th
July.
Festival-goers will also be treated
to a rare performance of A Servant to Two Masters, by Jenny Wren
Productions, on Saturday 26th July. This classic play by Carlo
Goldoni promises to be a wonderful example of commedia dell'arte,
performed by the local troupe. The endearing tale of four sisters,
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, will also be brought to life by
Theatreworks on Saturday 19th July.
The Open Air Theatre Festival on
the site of Dean Close School is one of Cheltenham's summer
highlights. As always the festival grounds will open one and a half
hours before the show for picnicking and the licensed festival café
will be open for business, serving chilled beers, wines and Pimms,
plus hot drinks and snacks. Ticket prices for individual events
vary. For more information, to buy tickets, or to request a festival
brochure call the Festival Ticket Office on 01242 258002,
alternatively visit www.bacontheatre.co.uk
Please note these are open-air events, at the Tuckwell Amphitheatre,
Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham. Please bring suitable
clothing and your own seating.
