Experience the Magic of Outdoor Theatre at Newark Castle

Comedic gem, The Bench will kick off Palace at the Castle on Monday 22 July; watch life stories unfold with humour and heart, bringing to life the vibrant tales hidden in everyday encounters. It’s witty script and setting turns the mundane into the extraordinary and is hailed as a must-see show this summer! The laughter persists on Thursday 8 August with Wilde About Oscar, a sparkling and sprightly one-man show by award-winning actor Jonathan Goodwin in which stories are told, laughter will be raised and perhaps, a few tears will be shed.

On Tuesday 30 July, enjoy Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, which will be brought to you by Chapterhouse Theatre Company.  Little Women is a classic story which sees the March sisters – beautiful Meg, tomboy Jo, gentle Beth and wilful Amy – through the adventures of their youth to the trials of young adulthood.  Each sister is determined to pursue her own path in life but though their dreams may be different, their family ties remain as true as ever.  This uplifting and heartfelt tale features authentic costumes and a beautiful musical score and is definitely one not to miss.

On Wednesday 14 August, let The Gondoliers transport you to the romantic canals of Venice as this light-hearted operetta promises a world of blissful romance, sharp satire, and comedic chaos.  Two charming gondoliers, suddenly find themselves elevated to the status of royalty. Each tasked with choosing their Queen from a bevy of beautiful women, hilarity ensues when the rightful Queen arrives demanding to know which of the men is her husband. As the plot thickens and the absurdity reaches its peak, love triumphs, and the gondoliers discover that happiness lies not in noble titles but in the simplicity of true love.

And, of course, no season of outdoor theatre would be complete without Shakespeare! On Saturday 27 July, immerse yourself in the magic and romance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Experience Shakespeare as it’s meant to be: interactive, fun, and highly accessible, filled with heaps of laugh-out-loud comedy!

Councillor Rowan Cozens, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Palace at the Castle is a wonderful opportunity for local people and visitors to engage with culture and relish a summer full of amazing performances. The dramatic backdrop of Newark Castle provides a unique ambiance that makes every show a truly magical experience and there really is a show for everyone! With lots of great places to eat in the town, visitors can even plan a day or evening-out, supporting our wonderful local businesses while enjoying the arts in a distinctive and historic setting too. And if you have a child at secondary school, what a great opportunity to let them see some of the classic’s come to life in Newark Castle. I am immensely proud that these fantastic shows are coming to Newark, and I look forward to seeing many of you there this summer."

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in captivating performances under the summer sky. Adult tickets for shows start from £12, with concessionary, children, and group prices available. Ticket prices vary for each performance but to find out more and to book your tickets, visit www.palacenewark.com and explore the full Palace at the Castle programme. You can book tickets online or by calling our box office on 01636 655755.

Make your summer truly memorable with the magic of outdoor theatre at Newark Castle.