GRAIN STORE
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Hamlet

Event Detail

Start Date: August 27, 2024
End Date: August 28, 2024
Time: 7pm (Gates open at 6pm)
Adult £20
Child (16yrs & under) £12

Enjoy an unforgettable open-air theatre experience on the Croquet Lawn as The Lord Chamberlain’s Men bring Hamlet to Doddington Hall.

Join The Lord Chamberlain’s Men this summer, in their 20th year, for Hamlet, the greatest play in the English language. With a history stretching back to William Shakespeare’s original company, they present this great play as he first saw it – in the open air, with an all male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.

“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”

Returning home from university for his father, the King of Denmark’s funeral, which is also the occasion of his mother’s remarriage to his uncle, Hamlet the Prince, is visited by the ghost of his father. The ghost reveals that his brother, Hamlet’s uncle, now stepfather and King, killed him and he urges Hamlet to take revenge. Driven to distraction by the grief of his father’s death and what lies ahead of him, Hamlet is forced to confront his deepest fears and in doing so questions himself, those around him and the very nature of existence.

“To be, or not to be, that is the question.”

Thrilling, moving and deeply human this stunning play seeks answers to life’s biggest questions and, in doing so, holds up a mirror to all our natures.

“Thus conscience does make cowards of us all”

Bring a chair and a picnic (or order a Doddington afternoon tea picnic box) and prepare to be entertained and transported. Book early to avoid missing out!

Authenticity | Excellence | Magic

THE LORD CHAMBERLAIN’S MEN

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men is the UK’s premier all male theatre company – with direct links to the history of William Shakespeare – presenting Shakespeare’s work as he first saw it; all male, in the open air and with Elizabethan costume, music and dance. Sitting under the same stars that Shakespeare sat under and hearing his poetry brought to life the company offer an unparalleled authentic, excellent and magical experience; one that is truly unique. We are renowned for productions of great vivacity, clarity, quality and accessibility. Our productions champion authenticity whilst breathing fresh, new life into these extraordinary plays. Seeing a production by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men will ignite, rekindle or maintain a burning passion in the greatest playwright the world has ever seen.

The company is based in amongst the beating heart of London’s theatre world but tours extensively throughout the United Kingdom, mainland Europe as well as to wider international shores.

Tuesday 27 August: BOOK NOW

Wednesday 28 August: BOOK NOW

7pm (Gates open at 6pm)

Adult: £20, Under 16s: £12

Please note that gates open one hour prior to the performance start timeRunning time approximately 2 hours 10 minutes including a short interval.

PICNICS & PACKAGES

Scroll down for Doddington afternoon tea picnic boxes and our special stay package.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ

  1. Please note that your tickets cannot be transferred, exchanged or refunded.
  2. The performance will go on no matter the weather (we are hoping for glorious sunshine though). Please check the forecast prior to setting off and come prepared.
  3. Seating is not assigned and chairs are not provided. Please bring your own pop-up/foldaway chairs (or equivalent) with you.
  4. Large parasols, pop-up tents and sunshades will impair the view of other patrons and will not be permitted.
  5. The performance starts at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. Entrance to the performance is via the Gatehouse at the front of the Hall. Running time approximately 2 hours 10 minutes including a short interval.
  6. Tickets will be checked on arrival. You can print your ticket or show it on your phone (please make sure to download or screenshot the full e-ticket as mobile signal can be poor onsite).
  7. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the Gardens.
  8. Photography is permitted, however for the enjoyment of others please do not stand during the performance and do not use flash.
  9. Programmes will be available to purchase on arrival.
  10. Pre-ordered Doddington Picnic Boxes will be available for collection from the Gatehouse at 5.45pm.
  11. You are very welcome to bring a picnic with you, however, picnic tables are not permitted, and all waste must be removed at the end of the performance.
  12. Please note that the performance takes place on a grassed area and is accessible via gravel pathways and a small ramp.
  13. Toilets, including a disabled access toilet, are open in the Gardens.

Doddington Picnic Boxes

Delight in a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, Hambleton’s special breed pork sausage roll, freshly baked fruit scones with clotted cream and jam as well as an array of famous Doddington sweet treats and an elderflower pressé. Add some sparkle with a mini bottle of prosecco.

There’s something to suit the whole family with traditional, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and children’s picnic boxes.

Adult £22 per person, Child £12 per person

Prosecco (20cl bottle) £8


PICNIC, BED & BREAKFAST

Why not extend your evening and enjoy a night away in the beautiful setting of the Doddington Estate.

Available on Tuesday 27 August only, our special package includes:

  • A double room for 2
  • 2 tickets for Hamlet
  • 2 Doddington afternoon tea picnic boxes and 2 mini prosecco
  • Breakfast for 2 the next morning in the Grain Store Café or Farm Shop Café
  • Complimentary entry to the Hall & Gardens the next day (28 August)

Delaval 2 or 3 package: £255 per couple

Tailor 1 package: £235 per couple

Tailor 2, 3 or 4 package: £215 per couple

Find out more about the Delaval & Tailor Rooms and view a virtual tour: CLICK HERE

Limited availability. To book, please click here. For more information please contact: stay@doddingtonhall.com / 01522 699162