What’s On

A Midsummer Night's Dream

A Midsummer Night's Dream

The woodland backdrop of the Tolethorpe stage provides the perfect setting for Shakespeare’s most spellbinding of plays. As twilight descends, the theatre transforms into a late Edwardian realm of magic…

June - July 2024

The Recruiting Officer

The Recruiting Officer

Step into the vibrant world of The Recruiting Officer, a rollicking romp and the most popular play of the 18th Century. Follow the misadventures of womanising Captain Plume and his…

June & August 2024

Sense and Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility

The original romantic comedy from the master of the genre. When their family faces financial hardship and social upheaval, the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, must confront their contrasting approaches…

July - August 2024

A Monster Calls

A Monster Calls

Conor has the same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill. But tonight is different. He awakes at seven minutess past midnight and there's a monster at…

July 2024

Tolethorpe Youth Drama

Nestled in the heart of the countryside, Tolethorpe Youth Drama (TYD) is a magical, creative and stimulating place.

TYD provides a full, immersive programme of drama and acting training for 5 to 18 year-olds, with inspiration and imagination at its heart. TYD teachers bring a wealth of knowledge, extensive theatre experience, and a passion for teaching. Throughout the year they also hold specialist workshops, master-classes, and events led by visiting industry practitioners, in areas such as Stage-Combat, Singing, Physical Theatre, Dance, Shakespeare and TV & Film. Their innovative productions take place in a variety of local theatres and settings.

"One of the finest things to do this summer"

THE SUNDAY TIMES

"One of England's premier alfresco theatre venues."

THE STAGE

“The production is staged for maximum impact outdoors and nothing has been spared in the way of authentic costume and armour… delivers Shakespeare with a fluency that matches anything on the professional stage.”

THE STAGE (review of Coriolanus in 2006)

"Reaching new levels of excellence and innovation... some of the most compelling acting I've seen at Tolethorpe, full of passion and humanity and delivered with crystal clear diction."

PETERBOROUGH TELEGRAPH (review of Much Ado About Nothing in 2017)

"Best play I've seen at Tolethorpe... amazing comic timing... laughing out loud... fantastic play."

STAMFORD MERCURY (review of Much Ado About Nothing in 2017)

"The set design is excellent... the audience in stitches... a hoot."

SARDINES MAGAZINE (review of Much Ado About Nothing in 2017)

“Directed stylishly and with light hands... many added comedic touches are very funny… keep the audience laughing all the way through… the special effects are rather special, especially at the end, bringing the house down… a feel-good, serotonin raising, professional performance.”

SARDINES MAGAZINE (review of Blithe Spirit in 2019)

“I was transfixed… comic timing is nothing less than perfect… you must not miss it… the magic of this show really does equal the magic of the surroundings of Tolethorpe.”

STAMFORD MERCURY (review of Blithe Spirit in 2019)

“This is a production positively brimming with brilliant performances… the aisles rocking with laughter throughout… it's very, very funny!”

STAMFORD NUB NEWS (review of Blithe Spirit in 2019)

“The staging is excellent… there are many striking effects… genuinely stirring… powerful and affecting… a fine spectacle… a powerful play… first-class cast and skilled backstage volunteers, this deserves to be a big success.”

SARDINES MAGAZINE (review of Julius Caesar in 2019)

“Played to perfection… both director and actors have risen to the challenge with aplomb… beautifully played out… several clever and striking touches in the staging… bravo.”

STAMFORD NUB NEWS (review of Julius Caesar in 2019)

“A real treat… the talented ensemble’s deft delivery and laugh-out-loud comedy made for an exceptionally enjoyable experience… such superlative performances combined with the atmospheric set and breath-taking costumes brought the play to life in a witty and highly entertaining production.”

STAMFORD NUB NEWS (review of Twelfth Night in 2019)

“The acting is first rate, and the production directed with a light and fluent hand… the funny scenes really are funny, and many are the comical brushstrokes that had the audience laughing out loud… Shakespeare’s wonderful language spoken in a way that made perfect sense.”

SARDINES MAGAZINE (review of Twelfth Night in 2019)