Summer at Hever Castle means one thing – the return of long evenings filled with outstanding live entertainment at The Festival Theatre.
Now celebrating over 40 years, The Festival Theatre has once again transformed the castle grounds into one of Kent’s most unique outdoor venues, with a packed programme of theatre, music, comedy, opera, family shows and special events running throughout the summer and into autumn.
Performances take place in the Two Sisters’ Theatre, a fully covered open-air auditorium where audiences can enjoy the atmosphere of outdoor theatre, whatever the weather.
Whether you’re a theatre lover, music fan or looking for a memorable family day out, there’s plenty to enjoy over the coming weeks.
The music programme includes The Ed Sheeran Experience, Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, Oasiz, Tour of the Eras, The Dusty Show and the ever-popular Last Night of the Hever Proms. Opera also returns with performances of Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte and a much-loved Gilbert and Sullivan production.
The theatre season features adventures for all ages, including Around the World in 80 Days, Pinocchio and Treasure Island, alongside the classic comedy Abigail’s Party, the return of award-winning troupe Three Inch Fools with King Arthur and the Holy Fail, and the brand-new musical Mary Queen of Rock!, already attracting plenty of attention.
One of this summer’s highlights is The History Festival at Hever Castle, where leading historians, authors and broadcasters explore the Tudor world and beyond through a fascinating series of talks and discussions. There’s no better place to delve into Anne Boleyn’s story than her childhood home.
The Festival Theatre also brings performances to some of Kent’s most beautiful locations.
Pack a picnic and head to Chiddingstone Castle for Shakespeare’s As You Like It, the wonderfully witty Jeeves & Wooster: Perfect Nonsense, The Pirates of Penzance, or dance the night away at the ever-popular Forest Fest Silent Disco.
Families can also enjoy The Wind in the Willows at Dragonfly Farm, offering another magical outdoor setting for live theatre.
Why not turn your theatre trip into a full day out? Spend time exploring Hever Castle’s award-winning gardens before settling down for a picnic or enjoying dinner in the Castle’s Tudor Suite ahead of the performance.
For many shows, combined Gardens and Theatre tickets are available, making it easy to enjoy the best of both worlds.
With so much of the season still to come, there’s never been a better time to discover everything The Festival Theatre has to offer.
Browse the full programme, find out more about combined Gardens and Theatre tickets, and book online at The Festival Theatre.
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.
