Welcome
Welcome to the Spring/Summer 2025 season brochure! With the start of a new year comes a new season at Hemsted Park. After the success of previous seasons, we are excited to enter our third year here, bringing you another diverse programme of arts, music, and entertainment. We’re thrilled to see our audience continue to grow, allowing us to expand what we can offer at this beautiful venue.
The new season at Hemsted Park presents an exciting variety of performances, from the ever-popular family ballet—this time featuring Puss in Boots on our theatre stage—to the timeless music of ABBA in our Thank You For The Music tribute. An Evening with Davina McCall promises to be as entertaining as it is informative, and we look forward to our annual performance in the Rose Garden, where this year we’ll present Romeo and Juliet in its stunning surroundings.
We can’t wait to share another season filled with unforgettable performances at Hemsted Park!
Thank you to our Hemsted Park partner
We are pleased to continue our partnership between Hemsted Park and Burfields House Wealth Management Ltd.
Burfields House is now supporting Hemsted Park as our official season partner for a second year. With their support we’ll be able to continue bringing our customers more of the exciting, quality performances we have become known for. We’re delighted to have them on board.
Spring/Summer
The Glenn Miller Orchestra - Saturday 25 January
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club - Friday 7 February
Macbeth: David Tennant & Cush Jumbo - Sunday 16 February
NOW - Saturday 22 February
An Audience with Davina McCall - Saturday 8 March
Benjamin Grosvenor Pianist - Sunday 16 March
Len Phillips Swing Orchestra; 100 years of Big Band - Sunday 6 April
Puss in Boots - Thursday 17 April
Thank You for the Music - Saturday 3 May
NT Live: The Importance of Being Earnest - Sunday 11 May
Dad’s Army: The Radio Show - Thursday 29 May
Romeo & Juliet - Sunday 31 August
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.
Now with a highly qualified advisory team of seven and a longestablished team of dedicated support staff, we take pride in delivering the best for our valued clients, providing high-quality bespoke advice to individuals, families, trustees and businesses and helping them to plan their financial future and security.
Client focus lies at the heart of everything we do and we thrive on building positive long-term relationships where we make a difference and clients take value in our honest, straightforward approach.
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 it is volunteering to travel and help with building better classrooms and facilities or organising and taking part in fundraising events – from local raffles and bake sales to director Robin Quirt’s mammoth 2023 trek to Everest Base Camp.
Tongole Foundation
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, performance, 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 Glenn Miller Orchestra
Saturday 25 January
Centenary Hall 5pm
From £22
Take a step back into the 1940s with the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, led by the acclaimed veteran band leader and conductor Ray McVay, for the ultimate musical celebration of the legendary big band leader, Glenn Miller.
Following sold-out performances at the likes of the Barbican London, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, and Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, the orchestra take to the road with a concert tour featuring all your favourite Miller hits. From ‘In the Mood’, ‘Moonlight Serenade’, and ‘American Patrol’ - through to ‘Little Brown Jug’, ‘Tuxedo Junction’ and ‘Pennsylvania 6-5000’ … to name just a few.
The UK’s only official Glenn Miller tour features the exact line-up devised by Glenn, alongside the fabulous harmonies of the ‘Moonlight Serenaders’ vocal group, the sublime vocals of the orchestra’s two lead singers, as well the orchestra’s own swinging jazz band, ‘The Uptown Hall Gang’.
With their impeccable musicianship, infectious energy, and authentic vintage style, the Glenn Miller Orchestra are an experience not to be missed and remains THE way to hear Miller’s timeless music.
Running time: Approx 2 hours including interval
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club: Remembering
Oscar Peterson
Featuring James Pearson and Friends
Friday 7 February
Centenary Hall 7pm From £25
Featuring the rarely heard sound of two grand pianos, combined with a world-class rhythm section, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club’s musical director, James Pearson, presents a very special concert in honour of legendary pianist Oscar Peterson. The music in the show is drawn from the Great American Songbook, alongside Oscar’s own compositions from the rarely heard Canadiana Suite and the aptly titled Hymn to Freedom. Alongside the music will be anecdotes about his life and some virtuosic demonstrations of how to play just like Oscar!
Oscar’s music has a wealth of colours. It is virtuosic, fun, dramatic and beautiful. His playing had a silken fluency and propulsive swing which has transcended jazz fashions for half a century. Oscar was also a supremely eloquent man and was able to explain some of the great piano techniques that he would use. His influence on all jazz pianists will be very much in evidence in this very special concert.
Running time: Approx 2 hours 20 minutes Including interval
‘Pearson is in shattering form on these sessions’ Sunday Times
‘Oscar Would have Relished it’ Evening Standard
‘For poise, balance and swing they’re a joy to listen to’ The Observer
SCREENING
Macbeth: David Tennant & Cush Jumbo
Sunday 16 February
Theatre 3pm
From £13
David Tennant and Cush Jumbo
lead a stellar cast in a new 5-star production of Shakespeare’s MACBETH, filmed live at the Donmar Warehouse in London.
Unsettling intimacy and brutal action combine at breakneck speed as Max Webster directs this tragic tale of love, murder, and nature’s power of renewal.
Running Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
‘enthralling’ Daily Telegraph
‘full of wolfish imagination and alarming surprise’ The Guardian
KNOWING THE VALUE OF LOCAL, PERSONAL SERVICE
As our world shifts increasingly online, many things have become easier. But often, online speed means less ability to make things truly personal. And for products such as your home insurance, a ‘one size fits all’ approach can feel impersonal.
And, if you have a large home with high-value items that require more careful consideration, it’s all the more important that you feel confident and have the opportunity to have a thorough conversation about your needs and expectations.
At NFU Mutual, it’s this commitment to local personal service that sets us apart, and has allowed us to look after what matters most to our customers for over 110 years.
More than ever we’ve seen how important local knowledge and simply understanding people can be. There’s
just something about dealing with a real person, and being able to pick up the phone to someone who knows you and your situation.
But this local focus doesn’t mean we can’t handle complex or large properties. On the contrary, our local teams are backed by experienced underwriters, claims handlers and specialist suppliers. And whilst our heritage lies in farming and rural insurance, with over 850,000 customers including home, motor and business insurances, you might be surprised at what we can offer.
To see how we can help you protect your high-value home and contents, contact Lee Phillips, Bespoke Insurance Adviser at NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden and Whitfield on 01233 527 692 or Lee_Phillips3@nfumutual.co.uk
D P Jackson & D M Smith is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982).
NOW Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Jasmin Vardimon Company
Saturday 22 February
Theatre 7pm From £17
The latest creation by award-winning choreographer Jasmin Vardimon MBE will revisit favourite moments from the company’s repertoire while reflecting the current moment, the present and the continuous movement of time.
Renowned for her uniquely theatrical choreography, an interest in contemporary lives, and the ever-changing socio-political dynamics, Jasmin uses her distinctive creative approach to celebrate imagination in a griping new production.
NOW is co-commissioned by Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Kent County Council, and the Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries, University of Kent.
Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes
An Audience with Davina McCall
Saturday 8 March
Centenary Hall 6pm
From £24
Presenter, fitness guru, author, and mother Davina McCall is one of the UK’s most loved TV personalities with a career spanning three decades.
Davina is one of the nation’s most successful TV broadcasters, with hit series Long Lost Family, The Masked Singer, My Mum Your Dad, and the ground-breaking documentaries Sex, Myths and the Menopause and Sex, Mind and the Menopause the most recent in a long list of hugely successful programming.
In addition to her TV work, Davina has also built a hugely successful fitness empire, encompassing no less than 15 fitness DVD releases and range of equipment, and launched her fitness platform, Own Your Goals.
In 2022 Davina’s book Menopausing was published and quickly became a Sunday Times Bestseller and won Book of the Year at the British Book Awards 2023. She is due to release her second book, Birthing in 2025.
For nearly 20 years, Davina has remained one of Garnier’s key brand ambassadors, and is also an ambassador for TUI and Zoe.
Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Benjamin Grosvenor Pianist
Sunday 16 March
Centenary Hall 3pm
From £19
Recognised for his sonorous lyricism and understated brilliance, Benjamin Grosvenor is regarded as one of the most important pianists to emerge in several decades, with Gramophone acknowledging him one of the top fifty pianists ever on record.
A Decca Classics artist and with several awards and accolades to his name, forthcoming highlights include debuts with Bamberg and NHK Symphony Orchestras, and return appearances with Bern, BBC, City of Birmingham, Dallas, Montreal, Seattle, and Utah Symphony Orchestras.
A celebrated recitalist, this season he performs worldwide a programme featuring Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition including in Asia, the UK, USA, and Canada.
Running time: 1 hour 20 minutes
‘Everything Grosvenor touches turns to gold”’ The Guardian
‘Grosvenor is the real deal’ Financial Times
‘A genius who has reached the height of his interpretive powers’ The Guardian
100 Years of Big Bands
Len Phillips Swing Orchestra with Matt Ford & Nicola Emmanuelle
Sunday 6 April
Centenary Hall 7pm
From £24
As seen on SKY ARTS, the LPSO celebrates a century of Swing! Beginning with Louis Armstrong’s New Orleans and the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, we trace the development of big bands through the golden age of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller to the contemporary tracks of Michael Bublé and Harry Connick Jr Paying homage to the great big band singers, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat “King” Cole and Peggy Lee along the way, feet will be tapping to the sheer power of a 17 piece swing orchestra.
Heard regularly on BBC Radio 2 and Jazz FM, the LP Swing Orchestra is Britain’s most popular big band. Their lockdown livestream series attracted over 100,000 views and included the very first streamed big band concert from London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios. Matthew Ford is perhaps best known for his work with the John Wilson Orchestra, including 6 appearances at the BBC Proms. Playing the part of Ella Fitzgerald in the West End show The Rat Pack: Live From Las Vegas, Nicola Emmanuelle is one of the most outstanding singers in Britain today. Conducted by the unique talents of trumpet player and vocalist Georgina Jackson (Ronnie Scotts’s, BBC Proms).
Running time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Puss In Boots
Thurday 17 April
Theatre 2pm
From £10
Loosely based on the original version by Charles Perrault, the Let’s All Dance Ballet Company brings a new version of Puss in Boots about a friendship between a magical cat and a young man with a talent for music. With Puss’ help, the man finds the confidence to use his talent and to be himself, winning the heart of the Princess, her mother the Queen, and the rather snooty Marquis de Carabas.
Treat your children to the magic of live, professional dance and fire their imaginations with this lovely new show for the whole family!
Suitable for all, especially 2-14 year olds, including those with special needs. Running time: 40 minutes + photo opportunity.
Thank You For The Music
Saturday 3 May
Centenary Hall 7.30pm
From £29
Calling all Dancing Queens, this is your night to say, Thank you for the Music!
This international smash-hit tribute show brings all ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other. The hugely popular show, now in its 21st year, combines the unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes, and dazzling performances by our all-star cast.
Join us for the party of the year, you can dance, you can jive, and have the time of your life as we bring you all the hits, including Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Mamma Mia, Knowing Me, Knowing You, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, The Winner Takes It All and many many more!
Thank you for the Music! For without a song or a dance what are we! Touring the nation. Tickets on sale now!
This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows.
Running time: Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes including interval
‘The roof was raised last night with powerful harmonies, singing and joy which over-spilled into the Strand. An unforgettable evening with a fantastic atmosphere.’
’ Adelphi Theatre London show
LIVE SCREENING
National Theatre Live:
The Importance of Being Earnest
Sunday 11 May Theatre 3pm From £13
Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who; Sex Education) in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy.
While assuming the role of a dutiful guardian in the country, Jack lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy adopts a similar facade. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate.
Max Webster (Life of Pi) directs this hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance, filmed live from the National Theatre in London.
Running time: Approx. 3 hours including interval
Dad’s Army: The Radio Show
Thursday 29 May
Theatre 7.30pm
From £20
The nation’s favourite sitcom returns! The boys are delighted to head to Hemsted Park with three new episodes.
Two actors, two microphones, over twenty-five characters - and lots of sound effects! Dad’s Army Radio Show bring’s Perry and Croft’s classic BBC comedy to life in this highly acclaimed stage production.
Three episodes of the popular sitcom - adapted for radio for the very first time - are hilariously and lovingly enacted on stage by two master performers - complete with sound effects, vintage music and all your favourite Perry and Croft characters and catchphrases.
The original television episodes newly minted for The Dad’s Army Radio Show national tour are:
The Love of Three Oranges The Miser’s Hoard The Making of Private Pike
As seen on Dad’s Army: The Animations (UKTV Gold), David Benson (Goodnight Sweetheart and One Man, Two Guvnors) and Jack Lane (Wisdom of a Fool and 7 Days) will transport you right back to Walmington.
Running time: Approx 1 hour 45 minutes
‘Benson and Lane’s two-man Army are a comedy force to be reckoned with.’ Radio Times
‘Benson & Lane carry it all off beautifully.’ Daily Telegraph
‘Pretty much perfect feat of mimicry.’ The Times
‘Utterly brilliant, the best Dad’s Army recreation I’ve seen.’ Barry Cryer
‘‘Brilliant! The speed, accuracy and comic timing are breathtaking. I loved it!’ Joan Le Mesurier
Romeo & Juliet
Sunday 31 August
Rose Garden 5pm
From £15
When two young heirs from feuding families in Verona fall suddenly and desperately in love, their only hope is to marry in secret.
But the bad blood between their houses runs deep, and the star-crossed lovers soon find themselves forced to choose between their family loyalty or their love for each other.
The tragedy that follows remains one of the world’s most enduring love stories. Join us as Chapterhouse Theatre Company brings Shakespeare’s beloved tragedy to the Rose Garden.
Running time: Approx 2 hours 20 minutes including interval
Please note: This is an open air performance taking place in the beautiful setting of the Rose Gardens of Hemsted Park, overlooked by the stunning Centenary Hall.
Doors open at 3.30pm and the show starts at 5.00pm. Please bring your own picnic blankets or low-backed seating.
Generally all tickets are non-refundable and in the event of cancellation due to bad weather alternative arrangements shall be made.
Free Concerts for All
Hemsted Park is once again delighted to invite you to attend any of the following free concerts which are part of the Benenden School calendar. Enquiries about any of the free events should be directed to music@benenden.school.
Book seats at www.hemstedpark.com
Benenden Symphony Orchestra
Film Music Concert
Music from Dambusters, Gladiator, James Bond, Dunkirk and more
Friday 28 February 7.30pm
Centenary Hall
Sixth Form Music Scholars’ Concert
Friday 21 March 1.30pm
Centenary Hall
Organ Recital: Rachel Mahon
Friday 25 April 1.30pm
Centenary Hall
Ensembles Summer Concert
Wednesday 30 April 7.30pm
Centenary Hall
17th Century Village Pub. Est 1608
Serving delicious pub grub, pies, daily specials, local wines, beers & ciders. Please call us to arrange your pre-theatre supper, or just pop in for a drink, before or after the show. Cheers! Pre-theatre suppers must be booked in advance. Thank you. 01580 240 054 . @bullbenenden . thebullatbenenden.co.uk
The Wealden Hub Music Scholars Bringing Musical Excellence to Our Community
We are excited to introduce The Wealden Hub Music Scholars, a new initiative in partnership with Hemsted Park. We are keen to support musically talented students (Year 4 and upwards) in our local area, providing them with valuable opportunities to engage in live musical performance.
Through the Music Scholars programme, participants will receive free admission to selected Hemsted Park events and have the chance to take part in musical events at Benenden School.
For more details contact Nick Rendall – Director of Partnerships, Benenden School (nmr@benenden.school)
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A competition open exclusively for readers of this programme.
Location
All of our event spaces at Hemsted Park are nestled in the 250 acres of the beautiful Benenden School site, also within easy reach of London, with the capital less than an hour by train from nearby Staplehurst Station.
We are located in a village that operates a dark skies policy, so our site can be dark during winter evenings. There will be some lighting and marshals to guide you, but you may like to bring a torch.
We are a no-smoking site.
Hemsted Park
Benenden School
Cranbrook Road Kent TN17 4AA
Parking
We have ample on-site free parking for audiences. When you arrive at Benenden School, please make your way up the main drive. Parking marshals at the top of the drive will direct you to a parking space.
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 reserve our most accessible parking for those who need it the most. If you have mobility issues and require our most accessible parking spots, please speak to a parking marshal on arrival.
hemstedpark.com
General Enquiries
info@hemstedpark.com
Booking Enquiries
boxoffice@hemstedpark.com 01580 236699
Bars & Hospitality
We have a purpose-built bar in the Jat Atrium of the Centenary buildings for all performances held in the Centenary Hall, Recital Hall or Rose Garden. For events in the Benenden Theatre, we have a pop-up bar located in the theatre lobby.
Our bar, which opens 1 hour before each performance, serves a varied range of snacks and alcoholic & non-alcoholic refreshments. We are card only venue.
Hot food or any takeaway items are not permitted.
Access
All of our venues have step free access as well as accessible parking close by.
Once you’ve arrived in the auditorium, we have an accessible toilet on this level which is unisex.
Hemsted Park has an Access Membership Scheme which provides free companion tickets to Deaf and disabled customers, and those with long-term health conditions who require a carer to accompany them.
If you would like to sign up, please send proof of eligibility to boxoffice@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 or in person. You must have a confirmed access membership to be able to book access tickets.
