Theatre finally returns to Newark next week with colourful performances of Alice in Wonderland in Newark Castle’s stunning grounds.
The shows, on Thursday, 3rd June at 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm, start a programme of summer shows at the historic venue, organised by the team at the Palace Theatre Newark.
A magical adaptation of the classic story, Alice in Wonderland invites families to join host the Mad Hatter as well as all his friends as they help Alice find her ‘unbirthday’ party. Featuring vibrant characters who children will love, the shows should be the perfect start to the season of COVID-secure shows which guarantee worry-free refunds in case of changes in restrictions.
The Palace at the Castle line-up features more family favourites like The Further Adventures of Dr Dolittle, Horrible Histories: Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians and, in the perfect location next to the river, Wind in the Willows. Meanwhile, classics fans will be catered for with two Shakespeare adaptations, Much Ado About Nothing and The Tempest, plus Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Oliver Goldsmith’s She Stoops To Conquer. There’s also witty comedy The Bench, appropriately themed around a park bench, and a Teddy Bears Picnic for younger families.
Palace Theatre manager Carys Coulton-Jones said: “We’re so excited to be able to continue entertaining our audiences this summer and really looking forward to the beautiful Castle grounds being used in this way. While nothing will match our stunning auditorium which we hope will be back bustling again soon, this environment will certainly offer a spectacular backdrop for these great performances.”
The events form part of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Lifting Lockdown campaign, encouraging local people to get back out safely, supporting local businesses and enjoying everything the district has to offer.
Coun David Lloyd, leader of the council, said: “It’s fantastic that our colleagues at the Palace Theatre and Newark Castle have been able to bring theatre back safely for our residents. The theatre has been missed tremendously over this past year and I’m sure that local people will be raring to get back to enjoying some fantastic shows together with their families and loved ones.”
The full programme for Palace at the Castle can be found at www.palacenewark.com/palaceatthecastle and tickets can be booked online there or at the Palace Theatre Box Office, which is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 3pm, both in person at the theatre and over the phone on 01636 655755.