The List

Hever Festival Theatre

The Festival Theatre is an open-air theatre season set in the magical gardens of Hever Castle, Kent, offering shows for all ages and tastes between May - August. Hever Festival Theatre is an idyllic setting for a wonderful summer’s day, or evening, of socialising combined with top quality entertainment. The open-air festival venues are set in magical locations in the award winning gardens of Hever Castle in Kent. Events take place in the Two Sisters Theatre with covered seating, The Loggia with a view of the lake and Ann Boleyn's Ancient Woodland Walk. The gates open 45mins before matinees and close at 6pm, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the gardens, play areas and lake. In the evening the gates open at 6.30pm and audience are welcome to picnic before the evening performances begin. A bar and coffee shop are available and the Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant offers pre-theatre suppers and cream teas (to be booked in advance). There is a huge range of fantastic live entertainment on offer throughout the Summer including plays, family events, opera, comedy, jazz, music acts, speakers and Hever Festival's very own Last Night of the Proms. Full details and tickets are available at www.heverfestival.co.uk

What's On @ Hever Festival Theatre

The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars

The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars

2 Aug 2026 - 2 Aug 2026

The dazzling Ronnie Scott’s All Stars are back with another new show, created just for us. You won’t see this show anywhere else, don’t miss it! Direct from London’s world-famous jazz club, The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars combine world-class live jazz and narration for a unique evening celebrating jazz legends. Since it’s humble beginnings as a basement music bar where musicians would jam, through to the internationally acclaimed music venue it is today, Ronnie Scott Jazz Club has showcased the music of some of the world’s greatest and most influential Artists of all time. Hosting landmark performances from the likes of Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck and Michael Bublé – and not forgetting surprise appearances by the likes of Jamie Cullum, Stevie Wonder and Prince! This is a celebration of this unique world and its incredible history. Hosted and performed by the award-winning Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, led by the Club’s Musical Director this is a unique celebratory evening is a must for any music fan.
Motown & More With Natalie Williams Soul Family
After their spectacular sell-out 2024 and 2025 shows, we’re thrilled to welcome back the sensational Motown and More to the festival in 2026. Hailed as one of the UK’s finest Motown and Soul acts, Soul Family’s Motown and More captures the very heart of soul and R&B. One listen and you’ll know exactly why they’ve earned their reputation… “Natalie was all dazzling smiles and high-kneed strut as she belted out numbers from the album, swooping high a la Aretha. This was hard-hitting Earth, Wind and Fire stuff, full of funky momentum!” — Evening Standard Fronted by the powerhouse that is Natalie Williams(ex Incognito and MOBO nominated vocalist), the group delivers a glittering line-up of soul classics from legends like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, and The Four Tops. Each performer is a world-class musician, with credits alongside Amy Winehouse, Robbie Williams, Jacob Collier, Basement Jaxx and more. But when it comes to soul, this is where their passion truly shines—and the Motown & More experience proves it every time. Natalie Williams’ The Soul Family Band, is joined by an incredible group of regular singers (and artists in their own right): Vula (Basement Jaxx), Sharlene Hector (Basement Jaxx), Brendan Reilly (Disclosure), Ladonna Harley Peters (Emeli Sande, Sam Smith, Corinne Bailey Rae), Annabel Williams (Ceelo Green, Alison Moyet, Rumer) and Vanessa Haynes (Incognito). The Atlantic Horns (Mark Brown on sax & Ben Edwards on trumpet) have played with the likes of Amy Winehouse, Girls Aloud, Basement Jaxx, Mark Ronson and regularly tour with Robbie Williams. The rhythm section is made up Robin Mullarkey on bass (Zero7, Roisin Murphy, Laura Mvula, ESKA), Martyn Kaine on drums (Kyle Eastwood, Nitin Sawhney, Jocelyn Brown), Phil Peskett on keys (Moloko, Cinematic Orchestra, Nik Kershaw) and Ben Jones on guitar (Pixie Lott, Kelly Rowland, Jazmine Sullivan, Westlife and the VOICE band)… Suitable for all ages. Running time 2 hours (with interval)
The Last Night Of The Hever Proms

The Last Night Of The Hever Proms

30 Aug 2026 - 30 Aug 2026

Forget the Albert Hall nothing compares to music, magic, and majesty under the open skies in the stunning Hever Castle gardens. In The Two Sisters’ Theatre, the heavens are your ceiling (and you won’t find a mushroom in sight!). Step into our spellbinding open-air venue as we honour tradition, music, and the very best of British spirit. Expect an unforgettable evening of stirring melodies, pageantry, and patriotic cheer. From the sweep of the orchestra to the rousing singalongs that unite us all, the night will be bursting with pomp, ceremony, and sparkle. The Return of the Best Dressed Brit Competition Dress to dazzle in your finest Union Jack flair—whether you’re serving up ‘rock star chic’ or opting for ‘elegant Britannia’. The most fabulously patriotic looks will be in with a chance to win a pair of tickets to the 2027 Last Night of the Hever Proms! So, rally your loved ones, pack a picnic worthy of royalty, and get ready to raise your flags as the music fills the night sky. This is an evening of national pride, unity, and pure celebration beneath the stars.
The Dusty Show Starring Louise Anne Masters
Welcome to The Dusty Show, the celebration of a true British pop icon. An unforgettable evening of wall-to-wall hits and classics spanning the success of Dusty Springfield’s life and music. Singer Louise Anne Masters takes you on a journey to remember, through the years of Dusty’s career with the utmost authenticity, grace and a stunning vocal performance that is second to none. Accompanied by her 9-piece band, Louise takes you from the debut ‘I Only Want To Be With You’ and ‘Stay A While’ through to the ‘Ready Steady Go’ Motown era, Dusty in Memphis’ ‘Son Of A Preacher Man’, the psychedelic ‘Ain’t No Sun Since You Been Gone’ to the pinnacle ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’ and so many more. The Dusty Show is the ultimate definition of a musical legacy that touches the soul, and a life story that warms the heart. Join us in reminiscing with the very best tribute to our very own queen of British pop.
The Simon & Garfunkel Story

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

3 May 2026 - 18 Jan 2027

The Simon & Garfunkel Story continues to stun audiences across the globe, making it a must-see international sensation. Using huge projection photos and original film footage, the international hit show also features a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.
Flyaway Katie

Flyaway Katie

31 May 2026 - 31 May 2026

By the makers of Shoe Baby, Penguin and Arthur’s Dream Boat, we are over the moon Long Nose Puppets are returning with their latest production. Flyaway Katie is an inspiring flight of fancy about the power of imagination, based on the popular children’s book by Polly Dunbar, with music by Tom Gray of Gomez. Katie is all alone and feeling grey. The birds in the picture on her wall look so colourful. If only Katie could be as bright as them, who knows what might happen? The show is bursting with colour, movement and surprises, with puppets of varying scales acting the story. Aimed at 2-7 year-olds, this show is 35mins of pure joy followed by 15 mins ‘meet the puppets’ and then the opportunity to explore the Hever Castle estate for the rest of the afternoon. ‘Magical and beautiful’ The Guardian ‘The kids were captivated and the opportunity to meet the puppets at the end was enthusiastically taken up.’ The Argus, Brighton ‘This is the perfect show for children- colourful and imaginative without being too long’. The Argus, Brighton Hosted in collaboration with Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival
Abba Inferno the Ultimate Abba Tribute
Get ready for a night of dancing, singing, and pure nostalgia under the stars… Come and join us for an unforgettable evening at our open air theatre, as the phenomenal ABBA Inferno – The Ultimate ABBA Tribute, take to the stage for the opening night of the season. Don’t miss the party of the year! For many years, ABBA Inferno have been dazzling audiences around the globe with their authentic and electrifying tribute to Sweden’s greatest pop export — ABBA. From London to Lisbon, their infectious energy, stunning vocals, and dazzling costumes have made them one of the UK’s top tribute acts, capturing the magic and spirit of ABBA’s timeless hits. Expect all your favourites: Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Waterloo, Take a Chance on Me and many more, performed with the passion and flair that only Inferno can deliver.
General Medical Emergency Ward 10

General Medical Emergency Ward 10

3 May 2026 - 3 May 2026

It’s a pedigree of the first degree, Between them, Dyad’s recent productions – Austen’s Women: LADY SUSAN, A Christmas Carol, A Room of One’s Own, That Knave, Raleigh – and Gavin Robertson, with Done to Death by Jove, The Ghost of a Smile and BOND – An Unauthorised Parody have toured both the UK and internationally, with resounding success over the last few years. Labouring away in secret, looking for the perfect co-production has taken time, but finally the answer has arrived. Every hospital, medical-based, Doctors-and-Nurses cliche-ridden drama onstage in a comedy mash-up spoof. It’ll have you in stitches. It’s Dr Ann Fleming’s first day at St David’s, where her unfortunately-named mentor Dr Death, is determined to show her who’s boss. As medical emergencies overload the hapless staff, Dr Fleming has to juggle a complicated budding love affair, with a kidney, and a nosey Hospital boss. Not literally. Yes – ‘Holby City’, ‘Casualty’, ‘E.R’ and ‘Doctors’ – not to mention movies galore, are re-imagined and invigorated by Rebecca Vaughan, Andrew Margerison and Gavin Robertson in a pacy, cliché-ridden comic homage to the intrigues and dramas of every hospital plotline on the big and small screen. To be taken once a day. (Or twice if there’s a matinee). Created in collaboration with the Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead. ★★★★★ ‘If you haven’t seen Dyad Productions’ work before, you simply must’ British Theatre Guide ★★★★★’Robertson performs with a subtle conviction that’s compelling to watch’ The Guardian
Relatively Speaking by Alan Ayckbourn

Relatively Speaking by Alan Ayckbourn

23 May 2026 - 24 May 2026

Ayckbourn’s first big West End hit is a stunning piece of comic craftsmanship which takes a single misunderstanding and keeps it unbelievably afloat with hilarious consequences. Relatively Speaking was first produced in 1967 at the Duke of York’s Theatre starring Celia Johnson and Richard Briers and was the first of Ayckbourn’s plays to achieve widespread critical acclaim. Over half a century later it still stands the test of time. Ayckbourn mixes the comic ingredients into what has been called a ‘superbly constructed meringue of a play’ by choosing as his model what may be the most perfect of all well-made comedies, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance Of Being Earnest. What characterises both plays are the standard ingredients of the well-made play: secrets known to some but withheld from others, quid-pro-quo conversations in which two speakers, actually at odds, believe they are discussing the same person, and, of course, assumed identities. Last performed at BLT in 2003. So whether you re-acquaint yourself with a comedy masterpiece or experience classic Ayckbourn for the first time, you will undoubtedly share the joy of theatre at its very best. ‘Alan Ayckbourn’s Relatively Speaking is a night of marvellous discourse, mistaken identity and downright debacle.’ London Theatre Reviews ‘This early work from one of the British theatre’s greatest talents provides a welcome, and thoroughly enjoyable, celebration of the playwright’s craft.’ Everything Theatre
Romeo & Juliet

Romeo & Juliet

27 May 2026 - 28 May 2026

Join us on Anne Boleyn’s Walk to witness as this age-old vendetta between two powerful families erupts into bloodshed. This is the greatest love story of all time A group of masked Montagues risk further conflict by gate-crashing a Capulet party. A young lovesick Romeo Montague falls instantly in love with Juliet Capulet, who is due to marry her father’s choice, the County Paris. With the help of Juliet’s nurse, the women arrange for the couple to marry the next day, but Romeo’s attempt to halt a street fight leads to the death of Juliet’s own cousin, Tybalt, for which Romeo is banished. In a desperate attempt to be reunited with Romeo, Juliet follows the Friar’s plot and fakes her own death. This is not the end of the story…
Mark Steel The Leopard in My House

Mark Steel The Leopard in My House

30 May 2026 - 30 May 2026

“The consultant had told me he was confident I had throat cancer that had spread into the lymph glands. Joyfully, I held his hand, and looked up to the heavens like a South American footballer after scoring a goal. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.” Join multi award-winning, BAFTA-nominated writer and comedian Mark Steel for his new tour ‘The Leopard in My House’. The topic? His battle with throat cancer. A battle he is winning (thankfully) and which only his rapier wit could fashion a comedy tour show out of. Cancer has done nothing to dull Mark’s acute political observations or quash his “frankly bonkers” energy: you will laugh, you will cry, but you’ll laugh again, and again, and again. The Leopard in My House is proof that this leftie, working-class, Radio 4 favourite truly deserves his place in the UK comedy pantheon. Mark Steel is best known for his critically-acclaimed BBC Radio 4 show Mark Steel’s in Town (now in its 13th series), as well as his hit podcast What The F Is Going On…?. He has presented the BAFTA-nominated Mark Steel Lectures for BBC Two, and is a regular on BBC One’s Have I Got News for You and BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz. He has also written several acclaimed books, including an adaptation of his critically acclaimed stand-up show Who Do I Think I Am? for Audible.

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