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Welcome There’s something special about the arrival of autumn at Hemsted Park. As the seasons change, so too does our programme, bringing together outstanding music, unforgettable performances and memorable experiences to brighten the months ahead. From world-class musicians to festive family favourites, our Autumn/Winter programme offers a wonderful variety of live experiences to enjoy throughout the season. We’re delighted to welcome the acclaimed The Hanover Band for an evening of exceptional period performance, while the magical return of The Nutcracker promises to delight audiences of all ages. As Christmas approaches, our Step Into Christmas party will bring festive sparkle, great music and plenty of reasons to celebrate. Alongside these seasonal highlights, we’re continuing to make live performance accessible, inspiring and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re discovering the stories behind great composers through our engaging All Classical Music Explained event or celebrating 125 years of Jazz Piano with James Pearson & Friends in a fascinating musical journey, there are opportunities to experience music in new and exciting ways. From spectacular concerts and festive celebrations to family favourites and captivating talks, our programme is designed to offer something for every taste and every generation. Whether you’re a familiar face or visiting Hemsted Park for the very first time, we hope you’ll join us to discover, celebrate and share the joy of live performance. We look forward to welcoming you throughout the season.

Thank you We’re delighted to once again welcome Burfields House as our official season partner at Hemsted Park. Their continued support plays an important role in helping us bring an outstanding programme of live performances and events to our audiences. We’re grateful for their partnership and look forward to another successful season together.

Autumn/Winter 2026 All Classical Music Explained....................Saturday 17 October Locomotive for Murder.................................Friday 6 November The Hanover Band...........................................Sunday 8 November 125 Years of Jazz Piano..................................Friday 20 November GIANT – screening..........................................Sunday 29 November A Christmas Carol............................................Friday 4 December Step Into Christmas........................................Saturday 12 December The Nutcracker.................................................Saturday 19 December Cinderella – The Ballet.................................Saturday 13 February

Book your tickets at hemstedpark.com or call 01580 236699 Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm @hemstedpark

@hemsted_park 03

Meet our Partners

Founded by David Cole, Burfields House Wealth Management has been based in Goudhurst, Kent, since 2002. However, David’s family has been looking after the finances of local clients for many years before that, starting with his grandfather in 1921 and followed by his mother. He is very proud to share the same family philosophy of handing financial success on to the next generation. Client focus lies at the heart of everything we do and our highly qualified advisory team and dedicated support staff take pride in providing highquality bespoke financial advice with a friendly and personal approach.

Tongole Foundation

With established offices in Goudhurst and Cranbrook, and a newly opened office in Tenterden, we are well placed to support individuals, families, trustees and businesses throughout the South East.

One very important aspect of our business is the work we do to help improve the welfare of others throughout the world and within the local community, with members of the team regularly participating in a variety of events to support and raise money for good causes. Founded by David Cole and David Gridley, the Tongole Foundation is the Burfields House charity, working to support local communities surrounding the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve in Malawi, Africa. It focuses on the areas of education and wildlife conservation to improve the standards of living for as many people as possible. All the Burfields House team are actively involved in Tongole, whether through volunteering to help build classrooms and facilities in Malawi or organising and taking part in fundraising events, including sponsored walks and marathons, and director Robin Quirt’s treks to Everest Base Camp in 2023 and Tour du Mont Blanc in 2025.

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About Hemsted Park We are an oustanding performing arts venue in the heart of Kent, based on the stunning 250-acre site of the world-renowned Benenden School. Hemsted Park’s performance spaces principally comprise the stunning new Centenary Hall, a 750-seater concert hall, and the separate beautiful purpose-built 290 seat, Benenden Theatre. Other spaces include The Bonnie Yeung-Tsang Recital Hall, The Georgiadis Studio as well as the historic parkland that Hemsted Park is proud to call its home. These multi-purpose spaces allow a wide range of events; with everything from standup comedy to full orchestras and from professional plays to children’s ballet shows, Hemsted Park is able to offer performances to suit all tastes. As well as music, comedy, drama and dance productions, we are also available for hire for visiting schools, meetings, conferences, performances, training courses and many more corporate opportunities within our various spaces. This is alongside the various film and TV productions that are filmed here on site too. Our venues effortlessly blend stunning historical surroundings with modern event spaces equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Bespoke catering and audio-visual services are available, as is accommodation for a select number of events. For more information on hiring our facilities, please email info@hemstedpark.com or call 01580 236699.

“The funniest concert you will ever see” Time Out

Rainer Hersch’s All Classical Music Explained – Live! Saturday 17 October Theatre 7.30pm From £24.00 Rainer Hersch’s hilarious show, All Classical Music Explained - Live! will be returning to UK theatres this autumn. Rainer Hersch is half German, half English, which means he’d like to take over the world but he’s too polite... His comedy show All Classical Music Explained has been broadcast by BBC Radio 4 in a sixpart series and sold out

festivals across the world from Scotland to New Zealand. At its heart are those difficult questions: “why is organ music so boring?”; “what did Mozart steal from ABBA?” and “what do conductors actually do?” Whether you are a music professor or can’t tell string quartets from a string vest, relax: All Classical Music Explained will teach you nothing but it will make you laugh. Really laugh.

Running time: Approx 2 hours 20 minutes including interval

Rainer Hersch is a pianist, conductor and standup comedian who has appeared on every major comedy stage in Britain and abroad. In the UK he is known for his many radio appearances on Loose Ends, BBC Radio 4 documentaries and series about musical comedians of the past including All the Right Notes, Not Necessarily in the Right Order.

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“Locomotive for Murder is a joyous, laugh-out-loud experience” The Verdict

Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit Friday 6 November Theatre 7.30pm From £23.00

Mesdames and Messieurs, may I take your tickets please?

Four characters board a train, but not everyone will survive…

Welcome aboard Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit, the totally improvised, totally hilarious murder mystery, where killing the cast and cracking the case is in your hands!

Luckily, a world-famous detective is onboard, ready to root out the killer. But who is the murderer? Only one person knows—the murderer themselves! Can you put your wits to the test and solve the case?

Now in their sixth year, Offie-nominated Edinburgh Fringe favourites, Pinch Punch, are bringing their five-star, sellout show to Hemsted Park. So, don your deerstalkers and oil your moustaches for a night of shaky alibis, silvertongued sleuths, thrills, spills, and good old-fashioned kills.

Using real-life audience stories and suggestions, watch Pinch Punch create a unique, one-of-a-kind, never-tobe-repeated whodunnit. If you love comedy or murder mysteries, then this is the show for you! Running time: Approx 1 hour 50 minutes including interval

The Hanover Band Sunday 8 November Centenary Hall From £29.00

7.00pm

Mozart - Divertimento in D K167a Mozart Clarinet Concert - Sarah Thurlow Clarinet Mozart - Requiem Director: Benedict Hoffnung Ever since Caroline Brown founded The Hanover Band in 1980 its primary objective has been to enable audiences to gain a better feeling for what earlier music actually sounded like when heard in favourable circumstances. Historical instruments are key to this; as one prominent conductor recently put it, ‘they have more colour, shape and less weight than modern instruments. They are more tangy, more piquant. We can play full out with the greatest passion, and still sound like Mozart.’ The orchestra comprises some of the best period instrument specialists in the UK. They are considered to be some of the best in their field. Their performances and recordings have been described as ‘revelatory, luscious, outstanding and illuminating’. ‘Through dedication and scholarly work, the Band have gained an enviable niche for themselves within the early music movement, as being ‘one of the UK’s finest period instrument orchestras’. Their distinguished players are committed to education work and passing on their enthusiasm and knowledge to the next generation of music lovers- they teach in the top music conservatoires in the UK – the Royal College of Music, Royal Academy of Music, Royal Northern College of Music, Guildhall and Trinity Laban. Running time: Approx 2 hour 30 minutes including interval

125 Years of Jazz Piano James Pearson & Friends Friday 20 November Centenary Hall From £27.00

7.30pm

Pianist, composer and Artistic Director at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club, James Pearson, brings to life the incredible music and stories behind the evolution of jazz piano music – from Ragtime and Stride through to Boogie Woogie and Big Band… and beyond. This trio of world-class musicians take us on a whistle-stop tour through 125 years of jazz piano greats. Featuring a sparkling collection of numbers celebrating the music from the likes of Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Waller, Art Tatum, George Shearing, Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson and many more. This is a show full of anecdotes, wit and virtousic piano playing.

“Pearson is in shattering form on these sessions” SUNDAY TIMES

Running time: Approx 2 hours including interval

Shaped over time Passed on with care

07886 146 269 marc@rigbyandmarchant.co.uk marc.country.homes

WRITTEN BY

DIRECTED BY

MARK ROSENBLATT

NICHOLAS BOB HYTNER CROWLEY

WITH

AYA CASH ELLIOT LEVEY RACHAEL STIRLING

‘THE MOST THOUGHT-PROVOKING PLAY OF THE DECADE’ THE TIMES

3 OLIVIER AWARDS INCLUDING BEST NEW PLAY TONY AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR IN A PLAY ®

SCREENING

GIANT

by Mark Rosenblatt directed by Nicholas Hytner

Sunday 29 November Theatre From £13.00

3.00pm

GIANT, the 5-star critically acclaimed play starring John Lithgow (Killers of the Flower Moon, The Crown) as Roald Dahl, comes to the big screen. Winner of three Olivier Awards® including Best Play and a Tony Award® for Best Actor in a Play (John Lithgow), the production was filmed live in London’s West End ahead of its sold-out Broadway run. The stellar cast includes Aya Cash (The Boys, The Franchise, You’re the Worst), Elliot Levey (Cold War, Patriots, Good) and Rachael Stirling (The Divine Mrs S). A world-famous children’s author under threat. A battle of wills in the wake of scandal. And one chance to make amends...It’s the summer of 1983, The Witches is about to hit the shelves and Roald Dahl is making last-minute edits. But the outcry at his recent, explicitly antisemitic article won’t die down. Across a single afternoon at his family home, and rocked by an unexpectedly explosive confrontation, Dahl is forced to choose: make a public apology or risk his name and reputation. Inspired by real events, GIANT explores with dark humour the difference between considered opinion and dangerous rhetoric offering a complicated portrait of a fiendishly charismatic icon. Running time: Approx 2 hours 20 minutes including interval

A Christmas Carol Friday 4 December Theatre From £15.00

7.30pm

On Christmas Eve night, the miserly and cold-hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge embarks upon a journey through his past, present, and future, learning along the way to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas. A festive treat for all the family, Dickens’ beloved tale of redemption is brought to the stage at Hemsted Park in an authentic and joyful adaptation from Operation Moonlight.

Running time: Approx 2 hours including interval

Step Into Christmas Saturday 12 December Centenary Hall From £25.00

7.30pm

Get ready to Step Into Christmas once again for the most magical, feel-good show of the year! After a sensational run, we’re back – bigger, brighter and more festive than ever before. This spectacular Christmas concert is the ultimate way to kickstart your festive celebrations, guaranteed to fill your heart with holiday cheer and have you singing along from start to finish. Packed with all your favourite Christmas classics, the show brings the spirit of the season to life with dazzling performances, stunning festive visuals, and a sensational live band. From heartwarming ballads to upbeat festive anthems, it’s the perfect playlist for your Christmas celebrations. Whether you’re starting a new festive tradition or keeping the magic alive, Step Into Christmas is the ultimate feel-good Christmas spectacular. Running time: Approx 2 hours including interval

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Clermont House High Street Cranbrook TN17 3DN 01580 712 215

Frost at EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF THE

Holiday Season This December, lace up your skates and take to the ice beneath the winter lights. In the beautiful grounds of Benenden School, festive skating meets a remarkable historic setting, with hot cocoa, seasonal treats and Santa’s Grotto waiting afterwards. A magical Christmas outing for families and friends.

SANTA’S GROTTO

Make a wish. Meet Santa

ICE SKATING FOR AGES 5+

HOT COCOA & FESTIVE TREATS

FESTIVE LIGHTS & DECORATIONS

FAMILY FUN & LASTING MEMORIES

OPEN THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

at Benenden School

TICKETS ON SALE FROM OCTOBER

LAST SKATE THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER

BENENDEN SCHOOL, CRANBROOK, KENT TN17 4AA WWW.HEMSTEDPARK.COM

The Nutcracker The Ballet Saturday 19 December

Theatre 1.00pm & 3.00pm From £10.00 Back by popular demand, the awardwinning Let’s All Dance Ballet Company is thrilled to return with their fun, festive, sparkling production of The Nutcracker, perfect for the whole family. Let’s All Dance Ballet Company creates high-quality, entrancing shows for young and family audiences and makes this beautiful art form accessible to people of all backgrounds and cultures. Children and adults love the fabulous dancing, gorgeous music and stunning costumes. Join Clara this Christmas and meet the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy, the very bouncy Jumping Jack and the iconic Nutcracker Prince. Then have your photo taken on stage with our professional dancers and create magical memories with your family and friends you’ll never forget! Photo opportunity with the dancers on stage after every show! Suitable for the whole family, especially 2-14 year olds, including those with additional needs. Running time: Approx 55 minutes

“The enterprising Let’s All Dance presents a good-hearted and sweet version of The Nutcracker.” “Excellent dancers, great venue, great value - a lovely thing to do at Christmas” “I took my son to see a child-friendly version of The Nutcracker by the Let’s All Dance Ballet Company. The look of wonderment and recognition on his face when the music started up is a memory that I’ll treasure for ever”

Cinderella The Ballet Saturday 13 February Theatre 3.00pm From £10.00

Let’s All Dance Ballet Company brings this glittering new production to young audiences around the UK in 2026. The company’s biggest show to date combines its customary stunning dancing, crystal-clear storytelling, gorgeous music and beautiful costumes to enchant and dazzle young and old. This magical new ballet follows the traditional tale with fresh touches, and is the ultimate fairytale treat for the whole family. Photo opportunity with the dancers on stage after every show! Suitable for the whole family, especially 2-14 year olds, including those with additional needs. Running time: Approx 55 minutes

Free Concerts for All Hemsted Park is once again delighted to invite you to attend the following free events and concerts which are part of the Benenden School calendar

Friday 18 September | Centenary Hall | 1.30pm

Professional Lunchtime Concert

Lowri Probert (soprano) and Alex Arenare (piano) Awarding-winning duo and hailed for their artistic synergy, Lowri Probert and Alex Arenare will perform a programme of songs by Strauss, Grieg, Verdi and more

Friday 9 October | Recital Hall | 1.20pm

Junior Music Scholars’ Concert Friday 9 October | Theatre | 7.30pm

Jazz and Cabaret Evening The Gibbs Bar will be open from 6.30pm

Friday 6 November | Centenary Hall | 1.30pm

Professional Lunchtime Concert

Olivia Safe (soprano) A celebration of the golden age of Hollywood, featuring some of the most beloved songs from the classic MGM musicals made famous by legendary stars such as Judy Garland, Gene Kelly and Doris Day.

Wednesday 11 November | Centenary Hall | 7.00pm

Senior Music Scholars’ Concert The Gibbs Bar will be open from 6.15pm

Friday 26 February | Centenary Hall | 7.30pm

Benenden Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert The Gibbs Bar will be open from 6.30pm

Enquiries about any of the free events should be directed to music@benenden.school Seating is not reserved, but we request that you indicate your intention to attend by booking tickets at www.hemstedpark.com

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The Wealden Hub Music Scholars Bringing Musical Excellence to Our Community The Wealden Music Hub, in partnership with Hemsted Park, is committed to inspiring young musicians through active engagement, performance opportunities and access to world-class music. This initiative supports talented students from Year 4 upwards, helping them grow in confidence and skill while becoming part of a vibrant musical community. As part of the Music Hub membership, you will enjoy complimentary admission to selected Hemsted Park events, some opportunities to perform at musical occasions hosted by Benenden School and the chance to connect with like-minded peers. More than just attending concerts, this programme is about education, engagement with music and the opportunity to share in inspiring musical experiences. For more details contact Nick Rendall, Director of Partnerships, Benenden School (nmr@benenden.school)

Useful Information Location

All of our event spaces at Hemsted Park are nestled in the heart of Kent, within the 250 acres of the beautiful Benenden School site. Surrounded by stunning countryside, we offer a unique setting for arts and performance — and we’re also within easy reach of London, with the capital less than an hour away by train from nearby Staplehurst Station. We are located in a village that observes a dark skies policy, so our site can be quite dark on winter evenings. While there will be some lighting and marshals to guide you, you may find it helpful to bring a torch.

Bars & Hospitality

We offer a purpose-built bar in the Jat Atrium of the Centenary Buildings, available for all performances held in the Centenary Hall, Recital Hall or Rose Garden. For events in the Benenden Theatre, a pop-up bar is located in the lobby. Our bar opens one hour before each performance and serves a varied selection of snacks, as well as alcoholic and nonalcoholic refreshments. Please note: We are a nut-free site. H emsted Park operates as a card-only venue. e kindly ask that no hot food or takeaway W items are brought onto the premises.

We are a no-smoking or vaping site.

Address

Access

Hemsted Park, Benenden School, Cranbrook Road, Kent, TN17 4AA

All of our venues have step-free access, accessible parking and a unisex accessible toilet.

Parking

We have free on-site parking for audiences. On arrival at Benenden School, please follow the main drive where parking marshals will direct you to available spaces. Parking locations are spread around the site and therefore will sometimes mean a few minutes’ walk from your parking location to the venue. Wherever possible, we prioritise our most accessible parking for those who need it. If you have mobility issues and require accessible parking, please speak to a marshal on arrival.

Hemsted Park proudly supports an Access Membership Scheme, offering free companion tickets for individuals with health conditions or disabilities who require a carer to attend with them. If you would like to sign up, please send proof of eligibility to: info@hemstedpark.com This can be evidence that you are in receipt of a disability allowance (for example: PIP, DLA or attendance allowance). Once you have signed up, access tickets are bookable over the phone. You must have a confirmed access membership to be able to book access tickets. B

SITE MAP

KEY A Arrival from Benenden Village B Exit | C Centenary Hall & Recital Hall

D Theatre P Parking

P P

Enquiries:

01580 236699 | info@hemstedpark.com

hemstedpark.com

With offices in Goudhurst, Cranbrook and Tenterden, we are your local friendly team of financial advisers, specialising in providing high quality bespoke wealth management advice to individuals, families, trustees and businesses throughout Kent and the South East. We can cater for all your financial planning needs under one roof, with a team of highly qualified expert advisers backed up by a long-established dedicated team of support staff, all of whom share our goal of delivering exceptional levels of customer service and advice to our valued clients. Give us a call or pop in for a chat anytime. T: 01580 211211 E: burfieldshousewm@sjpp.co.uk www.burfieldshousewm.co.uk Burfields House Wealth Management Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website http://www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

SJP Approved 23/06/2026