Yahoo News 'Beautiful' castle grounds to host picnic and outdoor theatre this summer
While the Normans might have moved on, this summer Reigate Castle is very much still open.
The Harlequin theatre’s outdoor season is about to begin, meaning there will be ample opportunity to sit out the historic grounds and be entertained by a series of plays.
Kicking off at the end of June, five separate plays will make their way to this unusual stage across the summer months. From Shakespeare to Gilbert and Sullivan, actors will perform to an audience assembled on picnic blankets and camp chairs.
Starting with Romeo and Juliet, other plays include E Nesbit’s 5 Children & It, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, and The Gondoliers. This varied combination of plays includes both tragedies and operas meaning there should be something to interest everyone.
The grounds themselves will open an hour before the show meaning there is plenty of time to wonder around and take in the sites. One Tripadvisor reviewer said that this would be worthwhile calling it “a lovely photo opportunity.”
They wrote “It is not a huge area to visit, but the formal garden is well maintained and full of beautiful flowers.” Another commenter wrote that it was a "tranquil" spot which is "great for rest and recreation"
There will be no food option this year, but there will be a bar serving a range of drinks. You can bring a picnic however, if you want something to nibble on during the performances.
Shows like this are always dependent on the weather, and the plays will go ahead come rain or shine. This means it is worth keeping an eye on the forecast and bringing suitable clothing. There is the opportunity to move inside in extreme conditions but this decision would be made closer to the time.
With such an usual venue, it is up to the audience to make themselves comfortable, and picnic blankets, chairs and cushions encouraged. However, without any official seating, viewers are asked to be mindful of those around them, and not bring objects such as large umbrellas.
Tickets range from £15 to £18.50 for general admission with cheaper admission for children and families. More information about each of the plays can be found here.
What you need to know:
Address: The castle grounds are off the high-street, in central Reigate. It can be accessed from steps from the high-street or the A25, there is step-free access from the Town Hall on Castlefield Road
Show Times: Vary for each show
Dogs: No dogs except for assistance dogs allowed
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