5 open-air performances at Knebworth House this summer

Famed for its huge concerts, Knebworth House will host five more intimate outdoor performances on the Hertfordshire stately home's manicured Sunken Lawn in 2024, starting with a Garden Theatre show of The Secret Diary of Henry VIII on June 13.

From the child-friendly tales of Jemima Puddle Duck and Peter Pan
to the uproariously funny Diary of Henry VIII, an enchanting garden opera and William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, there is a show for everyone this season.

So bring a chair, blanket and picnic and prepare to be entertained as the performances will continue come rain come shine.

Tickets are limited so book online now at www.knebworthhouse.com

Here's a closer look at 5 shows you can see at Knebworth House.

1. The Secret Diary of Henry VIII

On Thursday, June 13 an open-air performance of The Secret Diary of Henry VIII by The Three Inch Fools will take place in the gardens of Knebworth House.

This Garden Theatre performance will be an essential guide on how to keep your head in the Tudor Court — whilst others around you are losing theirs!

Unexpectedly thrust into the limelight, young Henry navigates the ups and downs of courtly life, and all whilst fighting the French (again) and rewriting religion.

The Fools hit the road with this brand new comedy — a mad-capped take on Britain’s most epic monarch, and those infamous wives.

2. The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck

A new adaptation of the much-loved Beatrix Potter tale, The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck will be beautifully presented on Sunday, June 30 on the Sunken Lawn.

Prevented from hatching her eggs at the farm, foolish Jemima goes in search of a nesting place in the forest and soon she meets a charming ‘gentleman’ who offers her the perfect nesting place in his woodshed.

But why is his woodshed full of feathers and why is he asking her to collect the herbs for roast duck? Kip the farm dog fears the worst…

Join Jemima on her feather-ruffling adventures in this delightful new adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s family favourite.

Tickets are available from £10 per child, £16 per adult, and £50 for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children).

3. Garden Opera Evening

Bookmark the evening of Sunday, July 7 for an enchanting al fresco Garden Opera performance.

Wild Arts presents some of the greatest stories of all time, with dramatic intrigue, jealousy, comedy, idealism, and pure love.

Follow our characters’ journeys through 75 minutes of musical favourites from Rossini, Handel and Viardot, to Bernstein and Gershwin.

The evening will be performed by four world-class singers and a string quintet.

4. Hamlet

Join The Lord Chamberlain’s Men this summer, in their 20th year, for Hamlet, arguably the greatest play in the English language.

With a history stretching back to William Shakespeare’s original company, they present this great play as he first saw it – in the open air, with an all-male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.

Thrilling, moving and deeply human, this stunning play seeks answers to life’s biggest questions and, in doing so, holds up a mirror to all our natures.
 

5. Peter Pan

Treat the kids this summer holiday to an outdoor performance of Peter Pan.

For one night only — Thursday, August 29 — on the Sunken Lawn of Knebworth House, Immersion Theatre will perform the classic story bringing all the characters to life.

Filled with catchy music, heaps of audience interaction, and a laugh-a-minute script, this hilarious and exciting musical of the boy who never grew up promises to have every member of the family entertained throughout... You’ll be Hooked!

Suitable for ages four plus. Book online at www.knebworthhouse.com

The Garden Theatre and opera performances will be performed in the open-air gardens of Knebworth House.

Picnics, chairs, and blankets are all welcome.

Performances will continue in all weather.

Check website for start prices and prices.