Oscar-winning Dame Judi Dench backs New Forest open-air theatre
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 12:58 · Archive
Dame Judi Dench is backing a new open-air theatre planned for woodland near Burley, Hampshire.
Dame Judi Dench has become a patron of New Forest Open Air Theatre, a planned outdoor venue set for the 5,500-acre Hinton Admiral Estate near Burley, Hampshire. The Press reports that the charitable company aims to build a theatre seating up to 300 people using locally sourced coppiced timber. The design, inspired by ancient amphitheatres, will blend into the natural surroundings and be dismantled each season to minimise environmental impact.
Dame Judi said she was 'so happy to be a patron' of the venue, describing it as 'a glorious mix of theatre and trees'. Fellow patron Sir Mark Rylance said he was 'very pleased to support' the project, noting it brings people together 'to enjoy live performance'. The theatre will host theatre, music, storytelling and community events.
The idea originated during the Covid-19 pandemic in summer 2020, when actors staged two Shakespeare productions beneath trees in the New Forest using borrowed costumes and equipment from closed theatres. The project has been touring performances across the region for six years.
How it is being reported
- Oscar-winning actress from York backs planned open-air theatre set for woodlandA York-born Oscar winning actress and stage performer has given her backing to an outdoor theatre planned for woodland.The Press (York) · 23 Oct, 12:30
- Oscar-winning actress from York backs planned open-air theatre set for woodlandA York-born Oscar winning actress and stage performer has given her backing to an outdoor theatre planned for woodland.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 23 Oct, 12:30
In this story: Dame Judi Dench · Sir Mark Rylance · New Forest Open Air Theatre · Hinton Admiral Estate · Burley · Hampshire · New Forest
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