Outdoor theatre in Basingstoke’s very own ‘Secret Garden’
Hidden within Down Grange Sports Complex, The Walled Garden is a peaceful historic space dating back to the 1800s. Once the kitchen garden for Down Grange House, it is now home to wildlife, colourful borders and an annual outdoor theatre tradition led by The Proteans, the adult community group affiliated with Proteus Theatre Company. This year, they bring Geoffery Chaucer’s celebrated works, The Canterbury Tales to life with a lively cast of ‘pilgrims’ including knights, nuns, cooks and merchants sharing outrageous stories to pass the time on their journey. The unique garden setting has made these summer performances a favourite tradition with both audiences and performers alike, as long-time member Helen explains:
“I’ve performed with the Proteans in the Walled Garden on more than 10 occasions now and what I enjoy the most is that as the garden changes every year, we performers must adapt too. When we come to rehearse outdoors in the weeks leading up to the shows, there is an element of discovery to see how we can utilise the natural landscape creatively within the play; the space offers freedom in numerous ways. It allows us to challenge ourselves: for example, it’s vital that we warm up body and voice effectively to ensure we can project out in the elements! Regular audiences look forward to being surprised by the performers and we can interact with them in way they wouldn’t be expecting, that wouldn’t be possible in a traditional theatre space. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back this June.”
The Canterbury Tales will run from Friday 19th June – Sunday 21st June at The Walled Garden at Down Grange.
Tickets are priced from £8 and are available from www.proteustheatre.com
Audiences are welcome to bring picnics to enjoy during the show.
