Theatre on the Farm Presents...
AS YOU LIKE IT
Friday 7th August 6:30pm
Saturday 8th August 1:30pm & 6:30pm
Friday 14th August 6:30pm
Saturday 15th August 6:30pm
Sunday 16th August 3pm
Important Information
This production includes a short promenade (walking) element.
The performance begins seated inside the indoor Eco Barn before audiences follow Rosalind and Celia on a short walk across the farm into the Forest of Arden.
The remainder of the performance takes place outside, seated, in the Theatre on the Farm field.
Please note that seating is provided throughout the experience and there is no need to bring picnic or camping chairs.
The route includes grassy farm terrain and a gentle slope. Suitable outdoor footwear is recommended.
About the show...
You are invited to a party.
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Dress for the occasion if you wish. Dance the Charleston. Raise a glass. Lose yourself in the music.
Jazz drifts from the barn, laughter echoes beneath the lights, and guests gather for an evening of celebration, spectacle and surprise.
This bold open-air reimagining of Shakespeare's As You Like It, performed by a cast of professional actors and musicians, begins in the glamour of the roaring twenties before escaping into the wild beauty of the Forest of Arden.
As Rosalind and Celia flee the rigid world of the court, audiences are drawn into a story of mistaken identities, romance, music and adventure. The landscape itself becomes part of the storytelling as Shakespeare's most joyful comedy unfolds amongst fields, hay bales and open skies.
Featuring immersive theatre, live music, a touch of magic and plenty of opportunities for laughter, this is Shakespeare as it was always meant to be experienced: shared, playful and gloriously alive.
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A celebration of love, laughter and live music beneath the open sky.
What to Expect
BEFORE THE SHOW
Arrive early and step inside Duke Frederick's 1920s court.
Enjoy:
• Live jazz singing
• A magician
• Charleston dancing
• Themed drinks and snacks from the bar
• The atmosphere of a roaring twenties party
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Audience members are welcome to dress for the occasion in 1920s-inspired outfits or party attire if they wish.
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
The first part of the play takes place seated inside the Eco Barn, where audience members become guests at Duke Frederick's court.
When Rosalind and Celia decide to flee in search of freedom, audiences are invited to follow them. Led by the actors, we leave the barn behind and take a short walk across the farm to the Forest of Arden. This promenade section is brief and direct and follows grassy farm terrain.
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ACT 2
Following an interval, the remainder of the performance takes place seated in the Theatre on the Farm field.
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Unlike many outdoor theatre performances, seating is provided throughout the experience. There is no need to bring picnic or camping chairs unless you would be more comfortable in your own.
FAQs
PROMENADE PERFORMANCE?
FOOD AND DRINK?
AGE SUITABILITY?
PARKING?
WEATHER?
WHAT TO BRING?
ACCESSIBILITY?
TOILETS?
DRESSING UP?
HEALTH & SAFETY?
This production includes a short walking element. The performance begins seated inside the Eco Barn at Lopemede Farm. Audiences are then invited to follow Rosalind and Celia on a short walk across the farm into the Forest of Arden.
The remainder of the performance takes place seated in the Theatre on the Farm field, with hay bale seating provided. The route follows grassy farm terrain and includes a gentle slope. Suitable outdoor footwear is recommended.
You are welcome to bring your own picnics to enjoy before, during or after the show.
At this performance there will also be a bar serving themed drinks, snacks and refreshments.
Children and infants are welcome to all our outdoor performances.
This particular production is not specifically designed for children, however there is no unsuitable or sensitive content.
Younger audience members may find Shakespeare's language more challenging to follow, but many families enjoy sharing the experience together.
There is parking available on the farm.
We will endeavour to signpost clearly and have marshals available to assist you. Please note that the entrance to the farm can be easy to miss from the busy Long Crendon Road.
The farm is also reachable on foot or by bicycle from Thame, though care should be taken when crossing the nearby roundabout.
Just like any open-air theatre, we embrace the weather alongside our audiences.
We will not cancel, refund or pause a performance because of rain.
In the event that weather conditions become unsafe for performers or audiences, we may delay the start of the show, pause the performance temporarily or make adjustments to the event as necessary.
Suitable footwear and clothing for the weather and walking across farmland.
Umbrellas, waterproofs, sunhats, sunglasses and sun cream may all be useful depending on conditions.
Please note that seating is provided throughout the performance, so there is no need to bring picnic or camping chairs unless you are more comfortable with your own.
We want this show to be as welcoming and inclusive as possible.
The performance begins inside the Eco Barn before audiences take a short walk down a grassy slope into the Theatre on the Farm field.
We have previously been able to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters, however the return journey back up the slope may require assistance.
Accessible toilets are located in the nearby car park, which would involve travelling back up the slope from the performance area.
Access needs are individual, and we're very happy to discuss the site and options with you in advance so you can decide whether this experience will work for you. Please feel free to get in touch before booking.
By booking tickets, audience members acknowledge that this production includes a short outdoor promenade section across natural farm terrain.
Toilets are available throughout the site.
Absolutely. Audience members are warmly invited to join the party atmosphere by dressing in 1920s-inspired outfits or their finest party attire.
Dressing up is entirely optional, but we love seeing audiences embrace the spirit of the evening.
Please bear in mind that the performance includes a short walk across grassy farmland, so practical footwear is recommended.
Children must remain supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
By booking tickets, audience members acknowledge that this production includes a short outdoor promenade section across natural farm terrain and should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor conditions.