Huge demand for Lytham Hall outdoor theatre tickets

Bookings worth £5,000 have already been made for the 11th season of open-air theatre in the grounds of the Georgian gem.

With seven performances of six plays being staged, it’s the biggest season yet – and organisers are delighted with the response.

Tickets were put on sale a month earlier than usual for what is planned to be the first full season since 2019 and sales have been described as “spectacularly heavy” on Lytham Hall’s own online booking facility, a new innovation this year.

“The feedback is that everyone is finding it convenient to be able to look at all the plays on the Lytham Hall website and then to make an immediate booking on line.

"We will be using social media extensively this year to promote the season and we are aiming for seven full houses ”

Shakespeare’s Macbeth begins the programme on June 18, then comedian Steve Royle will be back for two performances as Victorian music hall legend Dan Leno on Friday, July 9 and two days later Rain or Shine Theatre will present She Stoops to Conquer.

The Illyria company will stage The Further Adventures of Dr Dolittle on August 13, Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing two days later and Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore on August 22.

The final shows will come just days before the WonderHall music festival, being held over six days at the venue from August 25, and featuring the likes of Sir Tom Jones, Russell Watson, Jools Holland and UB40.

Peter Anthony, the Hall's general manager, said: “I think this appealing 2021 programme is full of promise. I am especially looking forward to Illyria’s version of Much Ado about Nothing on August 15 - they are superb at making Shakespeare accessible for all.”

Meg Hargreaves from The Friends of Lytham Hall believes that, after a winter and spring of lockdown, theatre attendances for every play will be high this summer.

She said: “Everyone is especially keen to to meet up with family and friends and the relaxing atmosphere of the open air plays will provide a perfect and a safe setting.

"The gates open two hours before each show for picnics, so that’s just ideal. Dr. Dolittle will be a very popular show for families.”

Tickets details at www.lythamhall.org.uk

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