On Saturday, 25th May, the Festival Theatre at Hever Castle will commence its season with the unveiling of a brand-new theatre structure on the picturesque Two Sisters’ Lawn.
This new open-air theatre was constructed following severe storm damage in July 2023. The upgraded theatre features several enhancements, including a continuous roof that ensures every seat is now under cover, providing an uninterrupted viewing experience regardless of the weather.
Key Features of the New Structure
• Continuous Roof: Every seat is under cover, ensuring comfort in all weather conditions.
• Seating Arrangement: The seating layout remains similar to the previous one, with row C as the first raised level in the front section, and row A in the East and West Tiers now becoming row F.
• Unified Tiers: The East and West Tiers are now joined in the middle, offering a central raised seating option.
• Transparent Roof: The roof section over the auditorium is transparent, allowing guests to enjoy the sun or stars during performances.
• High-Tech Stage: The stage area is equipped with the capacity for a new high-tech lighting rig.
• Unchanged Lawns: The beautiful theatre lawns remain as stunning and fragrant as ever.
2024 Main Festival Programme
This season promises the most extensive and diverse programme in the theatre’s history. Alongside returning festival favourites, many new artists and events have been added.
New Highlights:
• Tudor History Events: In collaboration with the Castle’s curatorial team and Historian Dr. Owen Emmerson, the theatre will host its first deep-dive into Tudor history with four days of dedicated events.
• Ronnie Scott’s Club: Featuring prominently with three different ensembles, starting with a performance on Saturday, 25th May. Expect a mix of jazz and genre-defying acts like The Jazz Dynamos and The Soul Family featuring Natalie Williams.
• A Cavalcade of Noel and Cole: A sophisticated soiree showcasing the musical repertoire of Noel Coward and Cole Porter, blending sparkling cabaret with fascinating insights into their lives.
• Music Nights: New additions like The Taylor Swift Show, The Best of Bacharach, Strictly Dan, and The Beatles For Sale join the established programme of dazzling music nights.
Additional Offerings:
As always, afternoon tea is available for purchase with theatre tickets for play matinees, now offered in double the number. Pre-theatre suppers can also be booked online alongside theatre tickets, perfect for those not planning to bring a picnic.
Head to Hever Castle for an unforgettable season under the stars at the Festival Theatre!
The full programme can be viewed here.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
