Pride & Prejudice Outdoor Theatre

“We are all fools in love!” This Summer, the ultimate love story comes to Hempstead House Hotel as we celebrate the 250th anniversary year of its author, Jane Austen.

On Sunday 3rd August 2025, we invite you, your family and your friends to an afternoon of outdoor theatre and classic literature, hosted in the refreshing Summer sunshine and beautiful grounds of Hempstead House Hotel. Pride and Prejudice has consistently appeared near the top of lists of "most-loved books", becoming one of the most popular novels in English literature due to its memorable and relatable characters, witty dialogue and timeless themes of love, social commentary, and the complexities of human nature

BRINGING PROFESSIONAL THEATRE TO YOU! Following the success of A Christmas Carol for the last two Christmases, we are delighted to welcome back critically acclaimed theatre company This is My Theatre, with their delightful, one-act, 85 minute adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice”: At least one of the Bennet sisters must marry well in order for the family to avoid destitution upon the death of Mr Bennet and so the task of finding suitable matches begins. But, as is always the case, matrimony is easier for some than for others. For Elizabeth Bennet in particular, not all hasty judgements are correct, as she soon comes to appreciate the difference between superficial goodness and actual goodness, in particular when the dashing Mr Darcy is involved… Packed with rivalries, regrets and, of course, plenty of romance, our production is sure to spread joy this Summer! “We are very much looking forward to our Spring/Summer tours this year. We have created this adaptation to be fun and vibrant to capture imaginations and engage audiences of all ages. We are really excited to be continuing our Summer tradition of magical, family-friendly performances in historic places and atmospheric spaces. Always a firm favourite with company members and audiences, this adaptation of the much-loved story will remain faithful to the original text whilst also suited to the beautiful venues we are due to visit. This will offer our audiences a magical telling and bring to life these well-known characters for the stage. Suitable for audiences of all ages and with live music throughout arranged by the company’s Resident Composer Simon Stallard our adaptation of Jane Austen’s timeless epic is packed with song, seduction and plenty of scandal and is sure to be all that This Is My Theatre audiences have come to love about our shows!” – Sarah Slator, Company Director

PICNIC OR AFTERNOON TEA? The choice is yours! Picnics are welcome! On this occasion, feel free to cater yourselves; we simply ask you to take everything back home with you afterwards! Tea and Coffee will be available to purchase on site along with any other soft or alcoholic drinks throughout the afternoon. Alternatively, let us spoil you with our divine Afternoon Tea with unlimited tea/coffee included along with traditional finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries. Children can receive their own tea too! Dietary requirements and intolerances can be catered for providing these are highlighted in advance to include gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian or vegan afternoon teas. Being an outdoor event, we ask you to bring your own picnic blankets or camping chairs, and simply enjoy the surroundings and relax. Please note that the hotel will not provide tables and chairs outside. Shelter will also not be provided. Gazebos are not permitted.

RATES: Performance Only: Adult £18 Concession* £16 Child Under 12 £14 Performance + Tea: Adult £35 Concession* £33 Child Under 12 £25 Children under 4 are welcome on an entry only complimentary basis. *Concessions include • Over 65s • Under 16s • Students with an NUS card • Registered disabled

TIMINGS: Guests will be asked to arrive when the gardens open from 3.00pm. Those that book afternoon tea will be served at approximately 3.30pm. The performance will commence at approximately 4.00pm for 85 minutes.

DRESS CODE “RAIN DOES NOT STOP PLAY!” – Please dress appropriately for our unpredictable British weather as the performance will be outside.

TO BOOK: Full pre-payment is required at time of booking. Payment can be made with card details over the phone or by secure paylink on request. Call us on 01795 428020 option 5 (Mondays to Fridays) or option 1 (Thursdays, evenings and weekends).

We look forward to welcoming you for a classic summer’s afternoon!

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE Full pre-payment is required at time of booking. Payments can be made with card details over the phone only or by bank transfer on request. Please note that all payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. Cancellations, either by individuals or as a group including reduced attendance, received 1 month prior to event will result in loss of deposits. All cancellations received within 1 month of the event will unfortunately result in a full cancellation charge. Guests are entitled to a full reimbursement should the hotel cancel the event unless the hotel is forced to close following government guidelines where a full credit voucher only will be issued. Any cancellations must be confirmed in writing.