2011 Season

40 Years On

Influenced by the recession and the election there seems much doom and gloom in the air.  But after 40 years we feel in no mood to throw in the sponge. People forget but we have a rtecession each decade and always somehow survive.  We hope that our Programme this year will create some bright spots in an otherwise dull outlook. For our Shakespeare we welcome back the GB Theatre Company who gave us such an excellent and well balanced cast for the plays last year. This year the company will present Twelfth Night and Romeo & Juliet.

The following weekend on Saturday we welcome the return of SASP with another Gilbert & Sullivan operetta. This year it is Patience, one of the least known of the genre but I'm looking forward to see how they handle the satire which pokes fun at aesthetes.  There's much of it about requiring satirising you might think.

The following weekend on the Saturday  we present the 12th year of our Glenn Miller 1940s Night with the Glenn Miller Tribute Orchestra returning again and round off our short season with another Last Night of the Proms with fireworks to mark 40 Years On.

Booking You can book early by telephone to the Kentwell Estate office or on-line and enjoy discounted ticket prices.  We may vary the discounts available from time to time.  

Where performed

 The Plays & Operetta will be performed on the Cedar Lawn, with a Wing of the House forming a magical backdrop.

The audience there is split between those buying allocated covered seats on raised staging, those on allocated seats not covered and groundlings who sit on the grass (no raised seats and not under cover) between the Seated Audience and the Stage area

For larger Concerts we have only Adult or Child tickets as everyone finds their own place on the Lawns.

Courtyard Stage

For the Glenn Miller 1940s Night we bring a raised and covered stage onto the Courtyard. This still leaves space there in front of the stage for some to approach close to the Stage or dance in front of it. The main body of the audience enjoy their picnics on the Front Lawns while watching & listening.

This year we shall use the same stage for the Last Night of the Proms which enables the audirence to promenade up to the stage if they wish (but everyone will need to be on the lawns to enjoy the fireworks).

Sound

For all outdoor performances good sound is vital, and although both locations offer good natural acoustics that sometimes may not be enough. When needed, we import elaborate sound sytems to give good sound to all parts of the audience.

Weather

Many people consider it defies logic to have Open Air Performances of any sort in England at any time. Yet there is nothing to surpass a balmy English evening ... and they do occur - more frequently than some may acknowledge. Besides, Suffolk is in the driest region of England and Kentwell in one of the driest parts of Suffolk. Yet that does not save us from occasionally encountering inclement weather on Performance nights. So come prepared.

Refunds However, as we continue whatever the weather, there are no refunds given unless the performance does not take place.

Picnics

The English are enthusiastic picnickers. All Kentwell performances offer the audience the opportunity to picnic in the beautiful Gardens, floodlit after dark. The audience may bring whatever paraphenalia they can carry: tables, chairs, candelabra, etc.

For Courtyard Concerts the audience may picnic on the Front Lawns as they enjoy the Performance.

Picnic Tables & Tents

For any show you can hire one of Kentwell's solid picnic tables (all complete with seats). You may also hire a tent.

Kentwell Catering

We shall as usual offer Buffet Suppers for Plays & Opera and Basket Picnics and Refreshment & Alcohol to purchase for the Concerts. These feature our own meat and locally sourced Ales.

Catering for Large Parties

We can also provide Catering for very large parties either in the Overcroft or in a Marquee on the Lawn and serve suppers there for up to about 200. This is an excellent way to celebrate your Birthday, Wedding Anniversary or other important occasion or to entertain favoured customers.