Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival Summer 2016

I love living in Cardiff, there is always something happening and even though I love going to the theatre I have never been to an open air performance in Cardiff. This year I have been invited* to review some of the many fantastic events at Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival Summer 2016 being presented by Everyman Theatre.

So where is it and what is it?

It's at Sophia Gardens starting from Thursday 23rd June.

"Everyman Theatre is pleased to present a bigger, better and refreshed festival for the 2016 summer season taking place in Sophia Gardens from Thursday 23 June. The Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival has grown far beyond where the festival started in Duffryn Gardens in 1983 and even beyond its smaller origins in Sophia Gardens in 2013. It is part of Cardiff’s growing summer scene which last year was touted as “vital to the theatrical life of Cardiff”.        Wales Arts Review, 4 August 2015

Whats On and When?

Into the Woods 23 June – 2 July

This season starts with the critically and audience acclaimed Into the Woods playing from 23 June – 2 July. Audiences will be transported deep into the woods: where wishes come true and curses are reversed. One of Stephen Sondheim’s greatest musicals, Into the Woods is an enchanting theatrical masterpiece, filled to the brim with a feast of fabled characters. Directed by Richard Tunley with Musical Direction by Rob Thorne Jnr. this is the perfect show to open the 2016 festival. It’s too late to turn back – the adventure has begun!

‘Allo ‘Allo 7 July - 16 July

Listen very carefully, we shall say this only once:  has gone alfresco! From 7 July – 16 July the Café René will welcome summertime audiences to the little French rural town of Nouvion. Owner René Artois risks more than his life on a daily basis during wartime German occupation as he attempts to satisfy the demands of the German Army, the French Resistance, his wife and both his waitresses! The team that brought you last year’s hilarious staging of Blackadder, lead by director Simon H West, are pleased to present the hugely popular stage version of ‘Allo ‘Allo at the 2016 Everyman Summer Festival.

Romeo and Juliet  21 July - 30 July

First Taste. First Touch. First Love. First Kiss. From 21 July – 30 July perhaps the most famous of all Shakespeare’s plays, in this the 400^th year of his death, Romeo and Juliet will take to the outdoor stage led by Jack Paterson and Mark Modzelewski, two experienced directors who are new to the festival. In modern Verona, violence erupts between the Montagues and Capulets with tragic consequences. With the death of their children, the citizens come together and through song, movement and story examine how they came to such tragedy. Shakespeare’s classic tale of “star-cross’d lovers”, forbidden love and blind passion is a tale of firsts.

Disney's Peter Pan  23 July - 30 July

The ever popular family show this year is Disney’s Peter Pan running from 23-30 July.  Fly away to Neverland with Peter Pan and the Darling children in Disney’s adaptation of their beloved animated film, performed by AndGo Theatre and choreographed and directed by Emma Jayne Parker. Based on the Disney film and J.M. Barrie’s enchanting play, Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. is a modern version of the timeless tale about a boy who wouldn’t grow up! The score includes new arrangements of classic Disney songs, such as “Following the Leader”, “You Can Fly”, “The Second Star to the Right” and “Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life for Me”.

Finishing off the programme are India Dance Wales who present two hypnotic shows on Sunday 10 July, Shishya and Shakuntala.

Everyman Youth Theatre will present Richard II on Sunday 24 July.

If you feel peckish then Dusty Knuckle Pizza, Otley sponsored Bar and more brands of ice cream and coffee will be onsite every night from 6.30pm  and should the air turn cooler they even have blankets for hire.

We are going to 'Allo 'Allo, what show will you see?

Tickets are still available!

Into the Woods, ‘Allo ‘Allo and Romeo and Juliet are £13-£17. 

Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. are £9 each or £30 for a family ticket for four people.

Shishya and Shakuntala are priced at £9 and £17 respectively

Richard II tickets are £7

For more information and to book tickets online visit the Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival website:

everymanfestival.co.uk or call the box office on 0333 6663366. 

*I have been given complimentary tickets for the purpose of a review. 

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