We have our very own Dr Dolittle!
With the exceptional weather enjoyed over the past few weeks, The Ploughhas seen its audience numbers sky rocket as people flock to enjoy the warm balmy evenings – bringing picnics and fizz, children and pets – whilst enjoying top class theatre in the open-air.
- Plough Arts Centre in Torringtonis proud of its open-air theatre programme which includes 30 open-air theatre events by ten companies all taking place at picturesque North Devon venues. se include Hartland Abbey, Castle Drogo (NT), Manor Gardens Lynmouth, Castle Hill at Filleigh, ArlingtonCourt (NT), RHS Garden Rosemoor, Tapeley Park andBlackberry Farm, Milton Damerel to name just a few.
All our theatre events are by well-known touring companies such as Heartbreak, Illyria, Hotbuckle Productions, ThePantaloons, Box Tree Productions, The Festival Players, The Handlebardsand everyone’s favourite, The Rude Mechanical TheatreCompany.
On Thursday 26thJuly at 5pmIllyria’s perform theirproduction of Dr Dolittlein the open-air at Tapeley Park.
Hector Christie, owner of Tapeley Parknear Bideford has become our very own modern day Dr Dolittleby rescuing and rearing Martha, an abandoned Highland calf on his estate near Bideford.
Martha was rejected by her mother at birth and Hector, who was actually present at the birth, rescued her and ended up sleeping with the calf for the next week and is, in fact, still bottle feeding her. Consequently Martha now follows Hector wherever he goes! Along with Martha there will be an assortment of other animals (some real, some not) to support Hector as he will be there dressed as our very own Dr Dolittle!
Pre-show, some of the younger audience will be joining in with The Plough’sFamily Arts Afternoon which is free and includes a Character Treasure Hunt, Willow Animals and Kite Making Workshops, Hobby Horse & Bird Races, Animal Drama Workshop, Animal Arts & Crafts plus Above Bounds Theatre Collectivewill be delivering a Puppetry workshop along with storytelling.
Tapeley Parkoverlooks the Torridge estuary with wonderful views across to Lundy Island and Saunton Sands. The Italian garden and the wonderful flower borders house some very rare plants grown successfully due to the micro climate. The walled kitchen garden produces organic vegetables and fruit for the Tea Rooms for use in the tasty meals. Tapeley is open to the public Sunday – Friday 10am – 5pm (Closed Saturdays) and the entrance fee to the gardens is included in the ticket price for open-air theatre events. Visitors can bring their own picnic or pop in to the tea rooms for delicious home-made food supplied from the Tapeley gardens.
Pick up a copy of our programme which runs upto the end of August for full details of all the above events or check our website at www.theploughartscentre.org.uk. Come and enjoy some wonderful entertainment in the open-air – ideal for the whole family.
Visit Tapeley Park’s website http://www.christieestates.co.uk/tapeley-park/for full information.
Dr Dolittle at Tapeley Park – Thursday 26 July 5pm plus Family Arts Afternoon 2pm – 4:30 FREE (also at Castle Hill, Filleigh on Wednesday 25 July 5pm
Tickets: £13/£10 (Supporters/Families)
Also Hartland Abbey on Friday 10 August 5pm (plus Drama Workshop 6-11 yrs £5)
Bring picnics if desired, low back seating but refreshments are available if required at all venues.
Box Office: 01805 624624