One of Kent’s biggest theatre companies is set to head out on another summer tour with two spectacular shows.
Changeling, based in Maidstone and known for taking works by Britain’s best-loved playwrights to beautiful open-air venues across the county each summer, will debut their latest productions this month.
The tour kicks off with Henry V, Shakespeare’s infamous ‘war play’, based on the events of the Hundred Years’ War.
The historic play documents the invasion of France by the English king and is believed to have been written in the late 16th century.
This summer production is directed by Rob Forknall, who is also the founder of Changeling Theatre, and is expected to have audiences on the edge of their seats this summer.
“Henry V is popular with audiences not only because it charts the rise of a young king, but because it represents war in so many ways, testing our inherent beliefs about the true ‘value’ of war,” says Rob. “Our production will play on the idea of the game of war – a chess game. Our set will be a chessboard, our actors, pawns. It promises to be entertaining, challenging and with some Changeling humour thrown in for good measure.”
The show opens at Boughton Monchelsea Place and will also star the company’s newest apprentice.
Each year, Changeling holds auditions for young actors from Kent to earn a place in the touring productions and, this summer, Isabel Watson from Marden was chosen to perform with Changeling.
“I applied to Changeling’s apprentice scheme because I’d heard amazing things about the opportunities it gives actors starting their career,” says 21-year-old Isabel. “I’ve always enjoyed Shakespeare, and having the chance to perform as part of a brilliant professional company is an unmissable chance for any aspiring actor, so I didn’t think twice about auditioning.
“I’m so excited to tour around Kent and to be able to take part in what I’m sure will be a fantastic production - bring on Henry V!”
The second play that the company will be performing this summer is Noël Coward’s Present Laughter.
The comedy, written almost 100 years ago, has been updated for a modern audience and introduces social media into the fold.
It follows Garry Essendine, a famous actor, fashion icon and charismatic playboy who suddenly finds himself in the grips of an identity crisis as he tries to find the balance between his genuine self and his screen persona.
The two productions will visit show-stopping venues, including Biddenden Vineyards, Scotney Castle, Margate Main Sands and Walmer Castle.
Changeling will also return to two Shepherd Neame pubs - the New Flying Horse in Wye and the Royal Albion in Broadstairs \- for a second year.
The Faversham-based brewery has partnered with Changeling to bring outdoor theatre to its locations this summer, with the hopes that it will bring new punters to the pubs.
Shepherd Neame’s Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: “We are delighted to be able to announce that this exciting partnership is returning for a second year, bringing live theatre to two of our pub’s open spaces this summer.
“The New Flying Horse and the Royal Albion Hotel are both fantastic locations in which to enjoy the show. Changeling Theatre are well known for their fun and creative shows and we can’t wait to add their performances to what we already offer our customers this summer.”
You can find the full list of tour dates for both shows below - and you can book tickets online here.
Henry V
Friday, June 21 at Boughton Monchelsea Place near Maidstone from 7.30pm
Sunday, June 30 at Calverley Grounds in Tunbridge Wells from 5pm
Tuesday, July 2 at the New Flying Horse in Wye, near Ashford, from 7pm
Wednesday, July 3 at the Royal Albion Hotel in Broadstairs from 7pm
Tuesday, July 9 at Walmer Castle near Deal from 7.30pm
Thursday, July 11 at the Old School in New Romney from 7pm
Friday, July 12 at Belmont House in Faversham from 7pm
Sunday, July 14 at Margate Beach from 5pm
Wednesday, July 17 at Great Comp Garden near Sevenoaks from 7pm
Saturday, July 17 at the Tithe Barn in Lenham, near Maidstone, from 7.30pm
Wednesday, July 31 at Dartford Central Park from 7pm
Thursday, August 1 at Nurstead Court in Meopham, near Gravesend, from 7pm
Thursday, August 8 at Rochester Castle from 7pm
Saturday, August 10 at Scotney Castle near Tunbridge Wells from 7pm
Sunday, August 11 at Folkestone Amphitheatre from 5pm
Thursday, August 15 at Nine Oaks Vineyard in Hothfield, near Ashford, from 7pm
Saturday, August 17 at Boughton Monchelsea Place near Maidstone from 7.30pm
Sunday, August 18 at Boughton Monchelsea Place near Maidstone from 5pm
Present Laughter
Saturday, June 22 at Boughton Monchelsea Place in Maidstone from 7.30pm
Sunday, June 23 at Boughton Monchelsea Place in Maidstone from 5pm
Thursday, July 4 at the Old School in New Romney from 7pm
Sunday, July 7 at Penshurst Place near Tonbridge from 6.30pm
Wednesday, July 10 at Nurstead Court in Meopham, near Gravesend, from 7pm
Saturday, July 13 at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens in Sevenoaks from 7pm
Tuesday, July 16 at Swarling Manor near Canterbury from 7pm
Thursday, July 18 at Great Comp Garden near Sevenoaks from 7pm
Sunday, July 21 at Smallhythe Place in Tenterden from 7pm
Tuesday, July 23 at Upnor Castle near Rochester from 7pm
Sunday, July 28 at the Tithe Barn in Lenham, near Maidstone, from 5pm
Friday, August 2 at Biddenden Vineyards near Ashford from 7pm
Sunday, August 4 at Belmont House in Faversham from 5pm
Tuesday, August 6 at Dartford Central Park from 7pm
Friday, August 9 at Scotney Castle near Tunbridge Wells from 7pm
Friday, August 16 at Boughton Monchelsea Place near Maidstone from 7.30pm
Saturday, August 17 at Boughton Monchelsea Place near Maidstone from 2.30pm
