LOVE ACTUALLY and More Set for Thorington Theatre 2026 Summer Season
The Suffolk outdoor venue will also introduce new community projects and public art installations.
Thorington Theatre, the 350-seat outdoor woodland venue on a nut farm in Suffolk, has announced its 2026 Summer Season. The programme from 22nd May to 31st August promises a rich blend of music, theatre, comedy, family shows, spoken word, and unique one-off special events, all staged in the amphitheatre beneath the tree canopy.
Alongside a vibrant performance line-up of more than fifty shows, Thorington also reveals two major community and creative initiatives: a Thorington-in-miniature outdoor theatre being constructed at Bramfield Primary School, and the installation of two 8ft tall bronze sculptures, known as the "Thorington Men", by celebrated Halesworth-based sculptor Laurence Edwards.
OPENING SHOW, 22nd MAY
The summer festivities begin with a one-night special: Caswell: In Bloom, celebrating the official vinyl release of her album "Break/Bleed/Bloom". With a voice that Wonderland Magazine described as "stunningly soulful, hypnotising, and brooding", Caswell is joined by two special guest artists for a richly curated set in a show designed as an immersive outdoor experience where nature and music meet.
OTHER PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Love Actually - Presented by Wild Arts, 24th May
An uplifting evening of operatic and musical hits, performed by four exceptional singers and a world-class string quintet who were described as of "Royal Opera House standard" by Libby Purves in The Times. This performance comes from the Richard Curtis film of the same name, and he has given his blessing to use it. The arias chosen are based on love themes from the film. First love, betrayal, innocence and jealousy.
Rory Kinnear in Toward the Light - Presented by Britten Pears Arts, 13th June
The celebrated actor will read works by Maurice Maeterlinck and W. B. Yeats in a morning of poetry and prose.
The Comedy Store Players - presented by Comedy Store Management, 17th July
Thorington Theatre audiences will be asked for suggestions of locations, genres and characters, then the iconic Comedy Store Players improvise hilarious scenes and sketches.
The Mushroom Show - presented by Scratchworks Theatre Company, 13th August
Bringing together science, music and participatory activities for whole families to experience the fun and fascinating world of fungi together.
The Interpreter - presented by The Art Station, 31st August
The summer season ends on a high with a unique play that blends storytelling, live music, visual art and film. Expect mischief, audience participation and plenty of fun. Suitable for all the family. This is a fundraiser for The Art Station in Halesworth; a dynamic, ambitious arts charity offering a free Art and Learning programme for our community here in rural East Suffolk.
Tickets are now on sale and full details of What's On are on the website at www.thoringtontheatre.co.uk
NEW THORINGTON THEATRE-IN-MINIATURE PROJECT FOR BRAMFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL
Thorington Theatre is also supporting the creation of a miniature version of the outdoor theatre at Bramfield Primary School, providing pupils with a space for performance and outdoor learning.
Linda Ashford, Head of School, said,
"We have been gradually developing our secret garden area at Bramfield Primary School into an environment that supports outdoor learning. The vision was to create an environment where children can explore performance, storytelling, and collaboration in a hands-on way that complements their classroom learning. Thorington Theatre-especially Lindy and her carpenter-were incredible partners. They listened carefully to our ideas, offered practical design guidance, and provided high-quality materials that helped us turn a concept into a finished space we're truly proud of. The completed structure measures approximately 7 metres by 4 metres, making it large enough to accommodate group performances while still feeling welcoming and accessible for younger children. Whether they're performing a class assembly, rehearsing a play, or simply engaging in imaginative role-play, this space will support their emotional growth, creativity, and sense of belonging for years to come."
Pupils are planning a Press/public performance to launch their new amphitheatre in w/c 12th May.
8 FT TALL "THORINGTON MEN" BRONZES WILL ARRIVE IN THE WOODS
Two large-scale bronze sculptures by renowned Suffolk sculptor Laurence Edwards will be installed this summer along the woodland paths leading to the theatre. The first will be installed on 12th May, the second on 26th July. Laurence Edwards said,
"This is an extraordinary opportunity to have sculptures which are made in and from Suffolk, returning to the environment that inspired them. Thousands of people are going to see them in their natural habitat every year.
"We've got two extraordinary phenomena here. A theatre made of wood growing out of the forest and a local foundry casting 8ft bronze men made of Suffolk mud and wood. It's a wonderful marrying of two artforms."
Lindy O'Hare, Director of Thorington Theatre, said:
"Our 2026 season brings together everything we love. Ambitious performances from International Artists, community partnerships and showcasing the region's top creative talent. All within the immersive beauty of our natural woodland setting. We're excited to welcome audiences back for another unforgettable summer."
"This year it's the sixth anniversary of Thorington Theatre. We carefully planned the business to ensure we could expand on ambitions every year and, despite the challenges of British weather for anyone running an outdoors business, we couldn't have foreseen just how successful it would become. Thank you to everyone who has visited, performed, volunteered or supplied Thorington Theatre. We appreciate your support."
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