Hever Castle Festival Theatre Turns 40!
Hever Castle Festival Theatre celebrated its 40th year and we can’t wait for 40 more years to come!
Kent Rep Theatre Company was created by Richard Palmer and his family 40 years ago to produce a new, varied and exciting programme of theatre for Kent. The group of local actors, directors, and designers chose to present their work in the repertory format which performed more than the magical atmosphere created in the Italian Garden, Hever Castle Festival Theatre was born. The festival soon became one of the most popular open-air venues in the South-East, still attracting many thousands of visitors each summer.
Hever Castle Festival Theatre has welcomed hundreds of performers…
Hundreds of performers have taken part alongside Kent Rep including jazz stars; Humphrey Lyttelton, George Melly, Stacey Kent and still form a large part of the theatre programme including Charles Court, Gilbert and Sullivan performances, and the ever-popular Last Night of the Hever Proms with The Brandenburg Sinfonia. Josh Widdicombe, Seann Walsh, Andy Parsons, Mark Steel, Shapi Khorsandi and Tom Allen to name but a few, continue to make us cry with laughter. All this together with family shows at Hever Castle Festival Theatre including Horrible Histories and Room On The Broom. Recent events have taken place in many spaces across the estate; plus Elmer the Elephant, magician Ben Hart, musical entertainment covering the last century of electrifying music from the Magic of Motown to Amy Winehouse, as well as many, many plays.
Strength to strength!
The festival goes from strength to strength despite not receiving any public subsidies or grants, relying entirely on ticket sales, along with the Guthrie family, our greatest supporters. Our volunteers play a huge role in our success, their dedication guarantees the extraordinary atmosphere which can only be created at the Festival Theatre.
Hever Festival Theatre is a unique treasure in the heart of Kent. Do join us to celebrate our 40th year this summer. www.heverfestival.co.uk The box office opens on 13 March.
