News On World Book Day Hazlitt Theatre Announces Exciting Literary Inspired In-House Productions
This World Book Day the Hazlitt Theatre is delighted to announce that in proud partnership with Maidstone Borough Council and Parkwood Theatres their next family-friendly outdoor adventure will be … The Adventures of Peter Rabbit!
To mark 160 years since the birth of Beatrix Potter the Hazlitt Theatre, Parkwood Theatre and Maidstone Borough Council return to entertain local communities with their hotly anticipated Open Air Summer Tour. With the returning team of Olivier Award winning Composer Lyricist Darren Clark and prolific Hazlitt Productions Director Jenny Clark, this dynamic duo reimagine the classics for every generation. Now in its sixth year, featuring a cast of professional and community actors, this production offers a unique spin on the beloved classic tales. So expect the characters and stories you love with a modern twist, to engage all audiences and bring families and communities together this summer. With all Maidstone tickets continuing to be generously subsidised by Maidstone Borough Council, at £5 per ticket or family of 4 tickets for £15, everybody is welcome.
Bring your own picnic, seating and shade (or rain shelter as long as you are mindful of your neighbours!) for this tale of epic adventure, set against some of Maidstone's most scenic outdoor venues. With sunnier days on the horizon mark your calendars as the popular summer tour returns from 15-23 August and get ready for the ultimate family feel-good tale! Join us this summer for The Adventures of Peter Rabbit!
The Open Air Summer Tour continues to be funded by Maidstone Borough Council, returning to popular venues like the Hermitage Millennium Amphitheatre, Staplehurst, Headcorn, South Park, Bearsted Green, Little Fant Farm, Bredhurst, Cobtree Manor Park and more dates coming soon. This year the professional tour also extends to sister Parkwood Theatres venue The Hawth Amphitheatre, Crawley where ticket prices will vary outside the home borough.
Summer Tour Director, Jenny Clark says:
I am excited to bring professional actors and community actors together again, especially welcoming any new community cast of any experience. I am also excited about going back to the venues and seeing some familiar faces in the audience. It is so lovely to see everyone have such a brilliant time on and off stage and to see audiences of all ages laughing and joining in.
From the team that brought you Alice in Wonderland, Robin Hood, Treasure Island, The Three Musketeers and Wind in the Willows, the Hazlitt Open Air Summer Tour brings professional touring theatre to your doorstep, thanks to funding from Maidstone Borough Council. By touring locally audiences are encouraged to leave the car at home, walk to your local venue to make the most of their local green spaces and join the community to experience theatre like never before this August.
Cllr Stephen Thompson, Maidstone Borough Council Cabinet Member for Healthier Stronger Communities, said:
We are delighted to once again partner with the Hazlitt Theatre and Parkwood Theatres to bring high‑quality, affordable outdoor theatre into the heart of our communities. The Adventures of Peter Rabbit is a wonderful way to celebrate storytelling, encourage families to enjoy our beautiful green spaces, and make culture accessible to everyone. By keeping ticket prices low, we are proud to support opportunities that bring people together and inspire the next generation of readers and theatre‑goers.
With many of the dates sold out last year, you better hop to it to secure your tickets for our next family friendly adventure!
The Hazlitt Theatre is also thrilled to announce their second major to page-to-stage adaptation with their annual Hazlitt Institute (HI) Musical … Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Get ready to be swept away on a fantastic journey with Caractacus Potts, his children, Jemima and Jeremy, and the wonderful, one-of-a-kind car that flies and floats—Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! Performed by HI students, running from 28-31 October, look forward to October half term and get ready to be inspired by the next generation of local talent. Bring the whole family to experience a tale of eccentric inventors, daring spies, and a truly magnificent machine. For younger performers who love Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, HI are also taking on this tasty tale for their annual summer HI Play In A Week running from 27 - 31 July. Limited places £200 (includes 2 tickets to showcase). Any additional tickets can be purchased separately for £7.50.
In addition to their incredible in-house productions the Hazlitt Theatre are also excited to host even more literary inspired stage adaptations with The Willington Players: Towards Zero running from 21 - 25 April. Gulls Nest, the clifftop home of Lady Tressilian is the setting for a house party where Nevile Strange finds himself caught between his former wife and his new flame. Amid jealousy and complex relationships this nail-biting thriller leaves the guests shocked by a brutal murder.
For more mature audiences who appreciate a naughty laugh or a night out away from the kids, the venue also welcomes The Wizard of Oz - Adults Only! 27 May. Prepare to experience the story like you’ve never seen it before. Follow Dorothy as she is whisked away by a tornado to the Merry Old Land of Oz! Joined by her friends–The Horny Scarecrow, The Butch Tinman, and The Camp Cowardly Lion!
To round up a year of book inspired entertainment the Hazlitt Theatre looks forward to their next eagerly awaited Maidstone Christmas pantomime, Beauty & The Beast. Join the Hazlitt Theatre for a magical tale as old as time, presented in true pantomime style! Experience the captivating story of a cursed Prince transformed into a Beast, whose only chance at breaking the spell lies in finding true love before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. Will our kind village girl be the one to see beyond appearances and discover the beauty within the Beast? Prepare for an enchanting experience filled with laughter, stunning sets, sensational costumes, catchy music and plenty of Christmas sparkle. Running from 28 November - 31 December, magically save £1 on each ticket purchased by 31 August. Secure your choice seats today.
To celebrate World Book Day and their exciting new launches, the Hazlitt Theatre is running a competition to win tickets to newly announced shows The Adventures of Peter Rabbit and the HI production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Check out their socials to be in with a chance to experience these beloved family classics come to life!
All tickets are now on sale with more dates to be announced for the summer open air tour coming soon…