Magical theatre under the open sky awaits in North Devon this summer

Open air theatre is a magical experience on balmy evenings and in the coming weeks venues across North Devon will be hosting world class performances for The Plough Arts Centre's Summer Festival.

With timeless shows suitable for all ages, The Plough has teamed up with a dozen theatre companies to present outdoor entertainment set against the backdrop of 12 stunning open-air venues, including Arlington Court, Clovelly Court, Castle Hill estate and many more.

The line-up has something for everyone, including Sherlock and Watson, Pride and Prejudice, The Gondoliers, Little Women, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Wind in The Willows, The Secret Garden, The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Tempest, The Secret Diary of Henry VIII, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night.

Above: Join Sun & Moon Theatre for Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale at several venues this summer. Credit Matt Austin

Audiences are invited to bring a picnic, enjoy free garden entry before the shows and savour an evening of outstanding theatre under the open sky. Refreshments are available at all venues and there is a cash raffle too.

Opening night kicks off in Holsworthy at Badock Gardens on Wednesday, June 19 with Love Riot from Miracle Theatre - dive into a whirlwind of love and laughter in this vibrant re-imagining of Hannah Cowley’s revolutionary play, The Belle’s Stratagem.

Audiences can expect a rollercoaster of status, scandal, and etiquette to captivate all ages from teens to grandparents. There are additional performances on July 19 at Tapeley Park, Instow and July 20 at Castle Hill, Filleigh.

The Adventures of Dr Dolittle – the doctor who can talk to the animals – come to life with a delightful family musical from Illyria, filled with humour, excitement, and dazzling performances. Catch it at Castle Hill, Filleigh on Saturday, June 29 and for the festival's grand finale on August 25 at Castle Drogo.

The enchanting classics from Shakespeare will feature strongly in the festival, with The Winter’s Tale by Sun & Moon Theatre at Lapford Mill on June 21 and Reforge Retreat in Black Torrington on June 28, as well as Castle Hill on August 7 and August 16.

The Tempest, the Bard’s final play, is at Hartland Abbey on August 14, brought to you by The Festival Players and join The Pantaloons for The Merry Wives of Windsor at Arlington Court on August 11.

Above: Importance of Being Earnest from The Pantaloons is among the festival shows. Credit Paul Bullivant

Plus join Four Forty Theatre for a double bill at Tapeley Park on August 20 with A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night and also playing at Hartland Abbey on August 21 and Lapford Mill on August 23.

Expect plenty of chuckles as the Three Inch Fools present The Secret Diary of Henry VIII - How To Keep Your Head in the Tudor Court at Arlington Court on August 17 and Tapeley Park on August 18.

Above: Classic favourite The Wind in the Willows by BoxTree Productions is at Hartland Abbey on July 31.

Before many of the family shows, children aged six to 11 can join pre-show drama workshops in the afternoon to explore the story and have fun while adults enjoy the beautiful gardens.

For the full line up this summer and tickets, go to www.theploughartscentre.org.uk/whats-on/live/open-air. Or call the box office on 01805 624624, open from 10am to 4pm Mondays to Saturdays and 6pm to 8pm on Wednesdays to Saturdays. Family and group discounts are available.