The Hever Festival Theatre is an open-air festival set in the gardens of Hever Castle.
Kent Rep Theatre Company was created by Richard Palmer and his family over 40 years ago to produce a new, varied and exciting programme of theatre for Kent.
Following damage to the theatre following a storm in July 2023, a new theatre structure is being built on the Two Sisters’ Lawn ready for the start of the Main Season in May.
The theatre, which will go up late April, is a new structure with every seat undercover.
To celebrate the new home the Hever Festival Theatre have programmed more events than in any previous year. Lots of festival favourites are returning, and many new artists and events are dotted amongst the programme.
Among the new highlights are a link up with the Castle curatorial team and Historian Dr Owen Emmerson on The History Festival at Hever Castle. It is the first ever deep-dive into Tudor history for the theatre with four days of events.
The Ronnie Scott’s Club are featuring highly with three different Ronnie’s ensembles, the first on Sat 25 May. They are not all straight jazz, The Jazz Dynamos are re-imagining songs from the 70’s – 80’s and The Soul Family starring festival favourite, Natalie Williams, are bringing Motown and More.
A Cavalcade of Noel and Cole is a charming and sophisticated soiree – a selection of Noel Coward and Cole Porter’s musical repertoire. A sparkling cabaret of many of favourites with fascinating insights into the composers’ lives.
Taylor Mania, The Best of Bacharach, Strictly Dan and The Beatles For Sale join the established programme of dazzling music nights.
Afternoon Tea is available to purchase with a theatre ticket for matinees and pre-theatre suppers can be booked online once theatre tickets have been purchased.
Festival Fundraiser Events
While the theatre is being built, the Hever Festival Theatre is running a series of fundraiser events with an exciting line-up of festival artists working on a variety of events. All these events are taking place indoors. They include the opportunity to visit Hever Castle gardens following the afternoon performances taking place on the estate.
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.
