Westacre Theatre’s much-loved Summer Season is officially underway, with tickets selling fast as audiences once again gather beneath the stars for an unforgettable season of theatre by the lake.
This year feels especially significant. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the local community, Westacre has successfully brought back its iconic outdoor theatre tent following lots of fundraising over the past year. The new tent means audiences can enjoy the magic of live performance in comfort whatever the Norfolk weather has in store, ensuring another spectacular summer in one of the county’s most unique theatrical settings.
Now, with rehearsals in full swing, an exceptional new cohort of Westacre’s renowned Bursary performers has arrived. These talented young actors, musicians and theatre-makers, all of them from some of the UK’s leading drama schools, are spending the summer living, training and performing together as part of the theatre’s long-established Bursary Scheme.
Their first production, Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, opens in early August, followed later in the month by Shakespeare’s joyous comedy The Comedy of Errors. Both productions are directed by the creative team behind last summer’s acclaimed and sell-out production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, promising the same inventive storytelling, infectious energy and unforgettable theatrical experience that audiences came to love.
“Anyone lucky enough to catch A Midsummer Night’s Dream last summer will know exactly the kind of delight that awaits,” says Liz Brewer, Creative Productions Lead. “These are bold, imaginative productions performed by some of the country’s most exciting emerging talent, all set against the beautiful backdrop of our lakeside theatre.”
The summer season also marks another milestone for the charity, which has recently been awarded a £1,000 Community Fund grant from holidaycottages.co.uk and Suffolk & Norfolk LVEP.
The funding enables Westacre to provide 10 pairs of complimentary theatre tickets to each of five local secondary schools, giving young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience live theatre the chance to attend this summer’s productions.
Steven Hatfield, Drama Teacher from one of the chosen schools, The Nicholas Hammond Academy commented, “To be able to give opportunities like this to our students and their families is a brilliant way not only to reward their amazing commitment and hard work in school, but to expand their horizons and to gain positive new experience in the arts. A huge thanks to Westacre Theatre who always support us brilliantly.”
The lucky recipients, selected by their drama teachers, will enjoy performances completely free of charge.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have received this support,” said Theatre Director, Sadie Grist. “Removing financial barriers is central to our mission as a registered charity. We can’t wait to welcome these students and hope their visit inspires a lifelong love of live theatre.”
As a registered charity, Westacre Theatre relies on audiences to sustain far more than its performances. Every ticket sold helps fund youth theatre, community projects, educational outreach and the Bursary Scheme, providing invaluable opportunities for the next generation of performers and theatre-makers.
Nestled just outside Castle Acre and ten minutes from the market Town – Swaffham, Westacre Theatre has become one of Norfolk’s hidden cultural gems, where summer evenings are spent with picnic blankets, golden sunsets and outstanding live theatre beside the lake.
“This place is unlike anywhere else in Norfolk,” Sadie adds. “Watching extraordinary theatre unfold as the sun sets is something really special. Every person who buys a ticket isn’t simply enjoying a wonderful evening out – they’re helping secure the future of a theatre that gives so much back to its community.”
With performances already attracting strong advance bookings, audiences are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
Westacre Theatre extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the campaign to bring back the summer tent and looks forward to welcoming audiences throughout August for another season of exceptional theatre under the wide Norfolk skies.
To book visit: www.westacretheatre.com or call the Booking office: 01760 755 007
