Outdoor theatre at its finest is back in Longford Park

Heartbreak Productions in association with Friends of Longford Park presents

Awful Auntie

by David Walliams

Sat, 18th June 2022    3pm    (Gates Open: 2pm)

Age: 7+      Running time: 2 hours including interval.

The new playground at the Saxby Hall Orphanage is finally complete, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you. The orphanage was founded by Stella Saxby, who some of you may remember. Her parents were killed in a car crash in 1933, leaving her an orphan, all alone with her Awful Auntie. And when we say awful, we mean awful. Aunt Alberta and her best friend Wagner, a vicious Bavarian owl, tried everything they could to torment Stella into signing over the deed to Saxby Hall. But Stella, with the help of her friend Soot (the ghost of a chimney sweep, but friends come in all shapes and sizes, don’t they?) fought off Aunt Alberta, saved Saxby Hall, and gifted the beautiful Saxby Hall to be used as an orphanage.

Awful Auntie by David Walliams, adapted for the outdoor stage by Heartbreak Productions, is a truly thrilling tale. Owls, ghosts, chases, escapes, motorcycle rides, and tiddlywinks all fill Stella’s days as she evades her menacing Aunt and saves the family home. So, please join us at the dedication of the new playground at Saxby Hall and hear how it all came about. Make sure you bring a blanket or chair to sit on, weather-appropriate gear, and a picnic, as the tale could take some time to tell, and storytelling can be hungry work!

Tickets

Please note: This year all advanced ticket sales will be online to allow for refunds in case of changes to Covid restrictions. You can purchase  online at the EventBrite Website (admin fees apply).

• All tickets £12 (under 5s free)
• Please note the booking fees charged for these tickets are not under the control of Friends of Longford Park. This year all ticket sales will be online to allow for refunds in case of changes to Covid restrictions.
• Please do not attend if you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid.
• This production will go ahead in all but the worst weather conditions (generally thunderstorms) so bring appropriate clothing (sunscreen, hat and an umbrella!).
• Please bring a blanket or seat – there are no seats at the venue.
• If the performance is cancelled you will be notified online and a refund will be given.
• Chairs are not provided and places cannot be reserved in advance.
• Dogs are not permitted in the audience area (guide dogs excepted).
•  For general information on the play see http://www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk/ or contact us at [email protected].

Location

For those that have not previously been to one of our open air theatre productions, the performance is held in the People’s Millions Garden adjacent to the formal Gardens. Click on the Satellite view on the map below for the exact location within the park. There will be two main access points, one on the Eastern side (follow the path alongside the Athletics Stadium) and a second on the Western side (follow the road past the cafe and it’ll be on the right past the Community Allotments). Once you get inside the park follow the signs. There will be volunteers at hand should you require assistance.

Gates open at approx 2pm

Parking

We would rather you left the car at home, but if you do drive, the easiest option is to park at the large car park next to the Athletics Stadium off Ryebank Road. There is a second smaller car park past the cafe for people with mobility issues. We kindly ask you to respect the new parking restrictions within Longford Park.

Toilets

Toilets are located at Longford Cafe and will be closed after the interval. Please note that the cafe itself may not be serving food or drinks from 5:00pm onward so we advise that you bring refreshments along.