THE curtain lifts on a vibrant season of outdoor theatre, live music and cinema at picture-postcard National Trust locations in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight this week.
From 1940s jazz to murder mysteries and The Tales of Beatrix Potter, there’s fun and excitement, drama and comedy to suit all ages.
The live entertainment and beautiful setting is provided, so all you need to do is pack a picnic and a blanket and you’ve got all the ingredients for a perfect summer evening.
The summer programme gets under way at Mottisfont near Romsey on Thursday with Murder on the Terrace. The scene is set: a respectable garden party to celebrate Lord Cava’s retirement and the handing over of his sparkling wine empire is suddenly thrown into disarray by murder. The sardonic Inspector Back arrives to investigate, in this spoof Agatha Christie murder mystery comedy romp. Can you unravel this whodunit puzzle and solve the mystery?
Mottisfont also plays host to Once upon a time there were four little rabbits on July 22. This summer, Mottisfont celebrates the 150th birthday of one of our most beloved children’s authors and illustrators, Beatrix Potter. Quantum Theatre’s delightful new production, Once upon a time there were four little rabbits, which follows the escapades of two of our favourite - and naughtiest - characters, Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. Find out what happens when they decide to explore Mr McGregor’s garden and all its enticing vegetables.
In August, Ratburner takes to the Mottisfont stage. Poor Zoe; her hamster has died and her lazy stepmother, Sheila, doesn’t care. In fact, she’s so lazy that she wants Zoe to pick her nose for her — ewwww. And now, the evil Burt from Burt's Burgers wants to turn her pet rat into a burger! Join Heartbreak Productions for this hilarious thriller, adapted for the outdoor stage from David Walliams’ bestseller, on August 10.
Other show-stoppers in Hampshire include Much Ado About Nothing (The Vyne, August 13), summer jazz (Hinton Ampner, July 30 and August 20), vintage jazz (August 7 and September 4), a jazz and picnic evening at Uppark on July 23 and jazz Saturday on September 3.
Isle of Wight treats include Tying the Knot murder mystery (Mottistone Gardens, July 30), Dad's Army (Mottistone Gardens, July 23) and a Tempting Fete at Bembridge Windmill on July 16 and 17.
For more details, visit nationaltrust.org.uk
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