The magic of open air theatre at Tolethorpe Hall this summer

The 2026 Stamford Shakespeare Company season runs from June 10 to August 29, with the three productions staged on and off during that period.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

One Man, Two Guvnors by Richard Bean

Welcome to Brighton, 1963.

Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall is a man in search of his destiny… as long as his destiny includes fish, chips, mushy peas, and a pint or two.

But with no money and a rumbling in his belly, Francis accepts not just one job, but two. And there’s more to both his new bosses than meets the eye.

Guvnor one, gangster on the run, Roscoe Crabbe, is actually his own sister, Rachel Crabbe, in disguise. Guvnor number two is Stanley Stubbers, a public school toff who may have “accidentally” murdered the real Roscoe to win Rachel’s hand. To prevent discovery, Francis must keep his two guvnors apart long enough to earn some money to buy some food. He should be fine…but he can’t stop thinking about chips and it’s hard to concentrate when you’re hungry and you’ve got two guvnors!

Based on Carlo Goldoni’s classic Italian comedy The Servant of Two Masters, this smash hit comedy is packed with laughs for all to enjoy!

Twelfth Night By William Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s fast-paced comedy with love triangles, mistaken identities and practical jokes arrives in a romantic Tudor garden where the interwoven action turns to absurdity, silliness and downright fun. We find ourselves in Illyria, where Viola, separated from her twin brother Sebastian in a shipwreck, disguises herself as a boy, calls herself Cesario, and becomes a servant to love-struck Duke Orsino. He sends her to woo the Countess Olivia on his behalf, but the Countess falls in love with Cesario. Meanwhile Olivia’s drunken uncle, Sir Toby Belch, along with his friend, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, play a trick on Malvolio, Olivia’s steward. Eventually, Sebastian turns up and causes even more confusion, chaos and comedy. Will Orsino see beyond Viola’s moustache? Will Sebastian find his love interest? Will Malvolio get the joke? Will Sir Toby and Sir Andrew even still be standing by the end of the play?

Find out as magical and off-the-wall Illyria arrives in equally magical Tolethorpe!

Treasure Island adapted by Bryony Lavery

One dark and stormy night, Jim opens the door of the Admiral Benbow Inn to a terrifying stranger, and a frightening seafaring adventure begins. In this modern version of Treasure Island, adapted for the National Theatre to critical acclaim in 2014, Jim is reimagined as the granddaughter of the innkeeper, Grandma Hawkins. It is her tale of a perilous voyage to Treasure Island, and her encounter with swashbuckling pirates and the villainous Long John Silver, and his parrot, Flint, that we follow.

On her journey, Jim must deal with both murder and deception, but through it all she forges bonds of friendship, resilience and, ultimately, survival. Join us as the Tolethorpe stage comes alive with the sights and sounds of the high seas, of pirates and a hunt for treasure. Suitable for ages 10+

And the season would not be complete without the next generation of performers.

Tolethorpe Youth Theatre Presents: Animal Farm

When the animals in the farmyard rebel against their tyrannical farmer and take control of the farm, they hope to create a world where they can be equal, happier and free. But as power shifts and a new leader emerges, they soon face the age-old question: what does it really mean to be equal? TYD Theatre Makers is back for 2026, with this classic story of rebellion and treachery. The seductive allure of privilege, and the corrupting nature of political power is explored in this timely and riveting theatrical event not to be missed. TYD Theatre Makers is a unique training programme for young actors and forms part of the Tolethorpe Youth Drama. Established in 2001, TYD is a centre of excellence and continues to provide the highest level of theatre experiences for young actors and creatives.

Tickets and performance dates and times are available at https://tolethorpe.co.uk