Outdoor Theatre at Ordsall Hall For Summer 2018 - for all ages

Over the next few months the gardens at Ordsall Hall will play host to a unique season of open air performances for theatre-goers of all ages, performed by a host of theatre companies and in conjunction with Salford Community Leisure. The majestic Tudor manor house is a fabulous backdrop for the shows. Bring a chair or a blanket, something to eat and drink, and hope this weather continues!

We'll be attending for our first visit to review and we'll be enjoying a pre-booked picnic and a night off from the children. The performers have already begun dress rehearsals and tickets are available, so here is a little look at what's in store:

Pride & Prejudice
18th July 7.30-9.30pm
Heartbreak Productions make their first visit to Ordsall Hall with the Jane Austen's classic. Join Mr Darcy and the giggling ladies with bustles for an evening of comedy, romance and revenge. There'll also be a pop-up gin bar - bonus.

Twelfth Night
26th July 6.30-9pm
The Handlebards, the world’s first cycling theatre company, make a welcome return. The company apparently pedal from venue to venue with everything they need to perform - taking environmentally sustainable Shakespeare across the globe. This is the all-male company and reports suggest a likelihood this will be funny and chaotic, and possibly even riotous. We'll be attending to review and I can't wait.

Romeo & Juliet 
1st August 6.30-9pm
The Handlebards’ female troupe return with the love story to end all love stories. I wouldn't want to have to take a volcano around on the back of a bike...

The Princess and the Giant 
9th August. Two performances: 10.30am and 2.30pm
Folksy Theatre bring a show especially for families with children. Featuring music, puppetry, a very tired princess called Sophie and of course, a giant.

The Railway Children
16th August 2-3.30pm
Heartbreak Productions bring E. Nesbit's classic tale to life. Join the children as they try to prevent disaster and find their father, and wave at a few trains.

Pirate Pearl and the Big Blue Monster!
23rd August 2.30pm
The Little Blue Monster Company present their brand new family production which is aimed at families with younger children. Pirate Pearl (not a real pirate) lives aboard the good ship Mirabel with her crusty old shipmate - Grandpa Bert! Will there be a swashbuckling pirate adventure? It's possible... Under 2s go free.

Loves Labours Lost
26th August from 7pm
Folksy Theatre’s take on Shakespeare’s comedy and the last show of the season, Expect live music, audience interaction and downright silliness.

As previously mentioned, you can pre-order a picnic to collect when you arrive. Normally I wouldn't be so bothered, but this one does sound really lovely, with a Fentimans traditional drink, salad pots, vegetarian tartlets, filled roll (v), gourmet crisps and a delicious slice of cake. At £8.95 it sounds fair value and a for me a treat which I am really looking forward to.

For more information and to book tickets, go to the Salford Community Leisure website or ask them a question on Twitter. 

We'll be attending one of the shows to review, and I will be getting the picnic. I am honestly very excited. Rarely do you find any vegetarian picnic, let alone one which isn't made from cous cous, birdseed and halloumi with lashings of olive oil, basil and rocket.