What a beautiful long weekend we've had of fabulous warm weather and sunshine. These are the perfect conditions for outdoor theatre, so let's hope it sticks around for our seven weeks of live outdoor theatre this summer ...
Don't forget to bring a picnic to enjoy before the show!
But, living here in England, you never know what weather you are going to get. So, that is why when you come to The Arches this summer you need to be prepared for every eventuality. We want to make sure you have the best time with us, and it is a memorable experience for all the right reasons.
We certainly don't want the changeable British weather to stop you from visiting or putting a damper on your time with us, so with that in mind, we have devised a little list of all the things that we think you may need to bring with you. Here goes ...
Essentials:
Tickets (via your phone)
Chair (this is imperative as this is what you will be sitting in to watch the performance!)
Torch (for returning to your car after an evening performance
Other items we recommend you bring:
Picnics to enjoy before the show (BBQ's or any form of fire are not permitted)
Drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic - your choice!)
Sun cream/sun hat
Cardigan/jumper/blanket (it can get quite chilly at The Arches once the sun starts to set)
Wellies/cagoule/raincoat (if it does decide to rain!)
Camera (to take some great pictures of before, during and after the performance)
Plastic bag (there will be bin bags available, but we ask that you are responsible for your rubbish and ideally take it home with you!)
Please note, that in respect to other audience members umbrellas during the performance are not permitted if it rains.
For more information on your visit, please see our Your Visit page. The shows will go on at The Arches Theatre whatever the weather so be sure to come prepared. The decision to cancel a performance due to the weather is made at our discretion. Refunds are only given if a performance is cancelled.
We are really looking forward to welcoming you all to our outdoor theatre and we hope you are excited about the unique experience that awaits you. Visit our Box Office to see our full lineup.
Until next time ...
DAVID PIBWORTH
Would you like to know more?
If anything I've written in this blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more about our summer season at The Arches Theatre, it may be a great idea to give me a call on 01234 241357 and let's see how I can help.
David is the owner and Artistic Director of The Arches Theatre in Clifton Reynes near Milton Keynes. Productions are underneath some flood arches on the disused Midland railway line (Bedford to Northampton). It is equidistant from Bedford, Northampton and Milton Keynes. You bring your food, drink and chairs and enjoy the varied shows that are produced. This year - 2022 - there are 12 productions on throughout the season, from Shakespeare to Ripping Yarns plus a music weekend.
David has been involved in 'Light Ent' for many years, working with Ray Galton and Alan Simpson adapting the scripts of 'Steptoe and Son' and those of Tony Hancock to the stage. He has produced shows for Norman Wisdom (which makes him feel old), Al Murray, and Joe Pasquale amongst others, and also worked in the music business promoting and producing shows with Chas and Dave, Neil Inness, Kenny Ball, Acker Bilk and others of that ilk.
He is also the director of a film school for young people in his home town of Olney as well as supporting many local events.
He recently negotiated permission from Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais to stage a short run of 'Porridge' on stage which proved a success.
This year the annual charity performance at The Arches Theatre will be the last of 'Ripping Yarns' by Michael Palin and Terry Jones, with the profits being donated to The National Brain Appeal' for research into dementia as David's father and uncle died of it, as did Michael Palin's friend and writing partner Terry Jones. Last year they raised an astonishing £10,000 and are hoping to get somewhere close again with the support of audiences and sponsors.
David also has a stage hire company and his wife Julie runs a livery yard, so they are surrounded by horses, dogs, light entertainment and and a 17 year old daughter.
He plays in a comedy jazz band and collects strange props such as the Spitting Image puppets of Denis Thatcher and Alan Bennett, the child catchers bike from the stage show of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and various other 'things' all of which he sells to raise money for the Arches Theatre, although he always finds it hard to part from these props. However as the theatre receives no funding at all, he is always devising ways to keep it going! Sponsors are always welcome!
no unauthorised use, duplication, distribution or modification to any original content contained within this blog is permitted without prior written permission of the author. All other trademarks and registered names are acknowledged.
