Outdoor Summer Theatre at the Hawth Crawley
International award-winning outdoor theatre company, Illyria return to The Hawth once again this Summer with three top quality, entertaining nights of theatre.
Twelfth Night
Thu 6 July 7pm
Following a shipwreck, Viola is washed-up in Illyria, where her only chance for survival is to make use of her quick wit and fine singing voice, disguising herself as a man and applying to work in the court of Duke Orsino.
The lovesick Orsino sends ‘him’ to lady Olivia to woo her on his behalf, but Viola’s efforts are so successful that Olivia falls for Viola rather than Orsino. Meanwhile Olivia’s carousing uncle, Sir Toby Belch crosses swords with her steward Malvolio and devises a wicked plan to humiliate him. It could all end in tears – even if most of them are of laughter.
Illyria presents an evening of Shakespearean yearning romance, music and sheer joy – all performed on a stage inspired by those of the Elizabethan touring troupes.
Suitable 8+
Robin Hood
Tue 1 August 6pm
A fast-moving, fun-packed show for the whole family.
While good King Richard is away fighting the crusades, Robin Hood resolves to relieve corrupt landowners of their wealth, ruin the inept Sheriff of Nottingham and prevent the power-mad Prince John from seizing the throne.
Featuring tales of camaraderie, good against evil, swashbuckling action and riotous comedy – you’ll definitely laugh, you’ll probably cry, and you’ll definitely cheer at the archery competition involving the entire audience!
Suitable for ages 5+ (younger children welcome!)
Pride & Prejudice
Fri 4 August 7pm
Illyria’s production of Jane Austen’s glorious social comedy has attracted sell-out audiences and critical acclaim for six years touring the UK and Europe.
In a whirlwind of balls, dinners and very eligible officers, Lizzy Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy stand alone as the only sane, thoughtful people – and they hate each other! Or do they? Can she see beyond his pride, and can he overcome her prejudice, in order to achieve happiness?
If your idea of Jane Austen is stuffy costume drama then this sparkling adaptation will change your mind.
Bring a picnic and have a ball as the irrepressible Illyria sharpen their claws to bring you Jane Austen at her vibrant, bitchy best!
Suitable 8+
Tickets for each performance are priced £16.50 (discounts: £12.50), Child: £10.50, Family of four: £40 are available from hawth.co.uk and by calling The Hawth Box Office on 01293 553636 (Mon-Fri, 10am – 4pm).
There are also other outdoor performances to look forward to, with Locomotive for Murder (3 June), the fully improvised whodunnit and Much Ado About Nothing (12 Sept) taking place in the Amphitheatre this Summer too.