Carlo Collodis classic is a perennial favourite. It is the third most translated book in the world, having appeared in no fewer than 260 languages since it was published in 1883, and has never been out of print. Childless toymaker Geppetto buys a piece of wood to make a puppet little realising the chaos he is about to unleash. The puppet yearns for adventure and runs away, but instead of excitement only finds glorious attractions containing hidden dangers. He returns home hoping to be showered with sympathy and learns his tribulations are just beginning. Running away hasnt worked; lying wont work; he must become a real boy to achieve the belonging he craves. Collodi describes the development from puppet to real boy in the same way that useless green timber is matured into useful well-seasoned wood a transformation only achieved through trials of water and fire. Illyria celebrates this magical coming-of-age tale in a thrilling musical outdoor show. Running time (approx): 95-minutes (inc 20 minute interval) Recommended for ages 5+ (younger children also welcome) Please bring your own seating and wear suitable clothing for weather conditions. Low back chairs and tables are welcome, gazebos and BBQs are not permitted. Only assistance dogs are permitted. Venue is wheelchair accessible. Car parking 5 min walk from performance area.

Two hearts. One fate. A timeless love reborn. The Dukes Theatre Company presents Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet, a bold reimagining of the iconic tragedy directed by Joseph Pitcher. Pitchers acclaimed credits include Gypsy (UK Theatre Award for Best Musical Production) and My Fair Lady at The Mill at Sonning, and Macbeth at the Salomons Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. Returning to the company following Macbeth (2025), this vibrant production also features original music by composerRob Millett (Rambert Dance Company and The Royal Opera House, The National Theatre and Shakespeares Globe). Audience Advisory: This performance of Romeo and Juliet contains themes and depictions of war, death, suicide and violence, which may be distressing for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised, and it is recommended for ticket holders aged seven and above. Running time: 2 hours, including a 15 minute interval. Gates open: 45 minutes before the performance. Tickets: E-tickets are preferred (to be shown on smart phones or tablets). Paper tickets are also accepted. If e-tickets or paper tickets are a problem for you, we can find your name on the system. Carers Tickets: All carers go free at our events. If you are an audience member who requires a carer to attend with you, please first of all book your own ticket, then email [email protected] with name, email address and booking number along withproof of the carers status and we will email you a complimentary carers ticket. We accept the following as proof of carers status: - Attendance Allowance Letter (AA) - Carers Allowance Letter of Award - Disability Living Allowance Letter (DLA) - Personal Independence Payments (PIP) - Armed Forces Independence Payments (AFIP) - Valid Blue Badge Note, this applies to venues where The Dukes Theatre Company Ltd are running the ticketing through the Ticketsource platform. For venues running their own ticketing, please see the venues own exchange/cancellation policy. Seating: Seating is not provided. Please bring fold up garden chairs, camping chairs or blankets. People on blankets will be advised to sit in the first 5 metres in front of the stage. The production is supported by a PA system, with each actor individually amplified. Getting Here: Satnav directions unreliable. Kingston Lacy is situated on the B3082 Wimborne to Blandford Road. Approximately 2 miles from Wimborne. Parking: Parking is in the main visitor car park, approximately a 5-minute walk from the performance area. Gravel and grass parking available. We recommend bringing a torch, as areas of the car park will be dark at the end of the evening. Accessibility: Accessibility parking is at the front of the main visitor car park, closest to Visitor Reception. The performance areas is accessible by wheelchair and mobility scooter, and an accessible toilet is available near the performance areas. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to hire for the evening from Kingston Lacy, but must be reserve in advance. Please call 01202 883402 to arrange this. Dogs: Except for assistance/guide dogs, we regret that we cannot admit any dogs or other pets to our performances. We appreciate that most dogs are well behaved, but it only takes one pinched meat pie or canine stage invasion, and chaos ensues! It has to be one rule for all. Toilets: The main visitor toilets will be open and signposted. Separate family toilets, an accessible toilet and a changing place are also available. Food and Drink: Picnicking is encouraged at this performance, but no BBQs are permitted. The caf kiosk will be open selling hot and cold drinks and ice creams before the performance and during the interval (card payments only). Weather and Cancellations: Please be prepared for performances to continue in all eventualities, with the exception of severe rain, heat or wind. For detailed weather and exchange policy, please click:https://www.thedukestheatrecompany.co.uk/weather-and-exchanges FAQs: For an extensive list of answers to frequently asked questions, click: https://www.thedukestheatrecompany.co.uk/faq

Join The Lord Chamberlain's Men this summer for Othello, one of the most captivating and thrilling plays ever written. See it performed how William Shakespeare first saw it, as The Lord Chamberlain's Men (with a history stretching back to Shakespeare's original company) present this play in the open air, with an all male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. I know my price, I am worth no worse a place. Othello, the Moor of Venice, a respected General in the Venetian army, promotes the young Cassio to be his Lieutenant over Iago, a soldier in his service. In doing so he unwittingly sparks Iago's deep-seated hatred into terrifying life and sets in motion a horrendous spiral of vengeance and destruction that sweeps away everyone before it. As Iago weaves his web and seeks his revenge, he poisons Othello against Desdemona, who he has recently and secretly married, and turns the world upside down until Othello becomes unmoored from reality with devastating consequences. Put out the light, and then put out the light. A powerful story of deception, jealousy, and a man that loved not wisely but too well - this stunning and heartbreakingly poignant play is one you won't want to miss. Bring a chair and a picnic and prepare to be rapt and transported. Book early to avoid missing out!