The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle

Kent Rep Theatre Company was created by Richard Palmer and his family 40 years ago to produce a new, varied and exciting programme of theatre for Kent. The group of local actors, directors, and designers chose to present their work in the reperto ry format which performed more than 70 plays over the following years. Opening With A Midsummer Night’s Dream i n the magical atmosphere created in the Italian Garden, The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle was born. The festival soon became one of the most popula r open-air venues in the South-East, still attracting many thousands of visitors each summer.

We’re celebrating Hever Festival Theatre’s 40 exceptional years!

Hundreds of performers have taken part alongside Kent Rep including jazz stars; Humphrey Lyttelton, George Melly, Stacey Kent and the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars. Classical music and opera still form a large part of the theatre programme including Charles Court Opera’s hit Gilbert and Sullivan performances, and the ever-popular Last Night of the Hever Proms with The Brandenburg Sinfonia. Josh Widdicombe, Seann Walsh, Andy Parsons, Mark Steel, Shapi Khorsandi and Tom Allen to name but a few, continue to make us cry with la ughter. All this together with family shows including Horrible Histories and Room On The Broom. Recent events have taken place in many spaces across the estate; Shakespeare’s Globe, the Guildhall Strings and puppetry with Long Nose Puppets ’ Arthur’s Dreamboat and Elmer the Elephant, magician Ben Hart, musical entertainment covering the last century of electrifying music from the Magic of Motown to Amy Winehouse, as well as many, many plays.

Kent Rep Theatre Company was created by Richard Palmer and his family 40 years ago to produce a new, varied and exciting programme of theatre for Kent. The group of local actors, directors, and designers chose to present their work in the reperto ry format which performed more than 70 plays over the following years. Opening With A Midsummer Night’s Dream i n the magical atmosphere created in the Italian Garden, The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle was born. The festival soon became one of the most popula r open-air venues in the South-East, still attracting many thousands of visitors each summer.

Hundreds of performers have taken part alongside Kent Rep including jazz stars; Humphrey Lyttelton, George Melly, Stacey Kent and the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars. Classical music and opera still form a large part of the theatre programme including Charles Court Opera’s hit Gilbert and Sullivan performances, and the ever-popular Last Night of the Hever Proms with The Brandenburg Sinfonia. Josh Widdicombe, Seann Walsh, Andy Parsons, Mark Steel, Shapi Khorsandi and Tom Allen to name but a few, continue to make us cry with laughter. All this together with family shows including Horrible Histories and Room On The Broom. Recent events have taken place in many spaces across the estate; Shakespeare’s Globe, the Guildhall Strings and puppetry with Long Nose Puppets ’ Arthur’s Dreamboat and Elmer the Elephant, magician Ben Hart, musical entertainment covering the last century of electrifying music from the Magic of Motown to Amy Winehouse, as well as many, many plays.

The festival goes from strength to strength despite not receiving an y public subsidies or grants, relying entirely on ticket sales to finance each season. We couldn’t do this without the fabulous support of Hever Castle, they are exceptional , and, along with the Guthrie family, our greatest supporters. Our volunteers play a huge role in our success, their dedication guarantees the extraordinary atmosphere which can only be created at the Festival Theatre.

‘We are so proud of The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle. Our stunning venue, staf f and performers are a tribute to our breathtaking home. We can’t wait to celebrate being 40 with our audiences. That will be when the real fun begins.’

The festival goes from strength to strength despite not receiving an y public subsidies or grants, relying entirely on ticket sales to finance each season. We couldn’t do this without the fabulous support of Hever Castle, they are exceptional , and, along with the Guthrie family, our greatest supporters. Our volunteers play a huge role in our success, their dedication guarantees the extraordinary atmosphere which can only be created at the Festival Theatre.

Festival Director Ailsa Molyneux says

Hever Festival Theatre is a unique treasure in the heart of Kent. Do join us to celebrate our 40 th year this summer. www.heverfestival.co.uk The box office opens on 13 March.

‘We are so proud of The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle. Our stunning venue, staf f and performers are a tribute to our breathtaking home. We can’t wait to celebrate being 40 with our audiences. That will be when the real fun begins.’

For further details, images and interviews please contact Alison Bundy ailson@heverfestival.co.uk 07710 074075

Hever Festival Theatre is a unique treasure in the heart of Kent. Do join us to celebrate our 40 th year this summer. www.heverfestival.co.uk The box office opens on 13 March.

For further details, images and interviews please contact Alison Bundy ailson@heverfestival.co.uk 07710 074075

Top image the first ever production, A Midsummer Night’s Dream 1983 Below the Festival Theatre today