'Awful Auntie' by David Walliams

The new playground at the Saxby Hall Orphanage is finally complete, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you.

The orphanage was founded by Stella Saxby, whom some of you may remember. Her parents were killed in a car crash in 1933, leaving her an orphan, all alone with her Awful Auntie. And when we say awful, we mean awful. Aunt Alberta and her best friend Wagner, a vicious Bavarian owl, tried everything they could to torment Stella into signing over the deed to Saxby Hall. But Stella, with the help of her friend Soot (the ghost of a chimney sweep, but friends come in all shapes and sizes, don’t they?) fought off Aunt Alberta, saved Saxby Hall, and gifted the beautiful Saxby Hall to be used as an orphanage.

Awful Auntie by David Walliams, adapted for the outdoor stage by Heartbreak Productions, is a truly thrilling tale. Owls, ghosts, chases, escapes, motorcycle rides, and tiddlywinks all fill Stella’s days as she evades her menacing Aunt and saves the family home. So, please join us at the dedication of the new playground at Saxby Hall and hear how it all came about. Make sure you bring a blanket or chair to sit on, weather-appropriate gear, and a picnic, as the tale could take some time to tell, and storytelling can be hungry work!

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Open-Air Theatre Festival:

Seating:

• No seating is provided. Please bring low-back seating and/or blankets,
• An area for people on blankets is reserved at the front.  
• If you wish to be socially distanced please sit towards the rear or sides of the audience area
• Performances start at the stated time so please arrive in good time to take your seats

Tickets:

• Disabled people are welcome to a free ticket for their carer/assistant. Please call the box office on 01805 624624
• Every 11th ticket is free for group bookings. Available via the box office on 01805 624624
• Tickets, if not sold out, are also available on the gate (cash only).
• Ticket holders enjoy free access to the gardens two hours before 7pm performances

and one hour before earlier performances. (Or earlier for pre-show drama workshop ticket holders)

• Most performances last approx 2 hours with a 20 minute interval
• Minimum ages are advisory only. Please use your discretion.

Refreshments:

• Please support the high quality onsite catering/bar facilities that are available at most venues
• Check with the individual venue for more details.
• Hartland Abbey: Pimm’s Bar and Barbecue
• Castle Hill Filleigh: Tea/coffee sandwiches & cakes etc
• Tapeley Park: Hot & cold food and bar                                            
• Arlington Court (NT): Hot & cold food and bar                   
• Clovelly Court Park: Soft drinks available.                           
• Blackberry Farm Milton Damerel:     Hot & cold food and bar
• RHS Garden Rosemoor Hot & cold food and bar, ice creams and picnic bags                    
• Castle Hill Gardens, Torrington: Hot & cold food and bar   
• Tawstock Court, Barnstaple: Hot & cold food and bar                                                                                
• The Lodge, Eggesford: Bar and Barbecue     
• Castle Drogo (NT): Please bring your own picnics/drinks    
• Lapford Mill, Crediton: Please bring your own picnics and use the bar provided (located on 2nd floor of the mill)                              
• Brushford Barton: Please bring your own picnics and use the bar provided

Weather:

• Performances continue regardless of the weather. Be prepared.
• There are no indoor alternatives in case of bad weather.
• In the event of electrical storm, tickets will be exchanged for another date.
• The following may be useful: A torch, insect repellent, an umbrella (or sunshade!)

Dogs:

• Well behaved dogs are welcome at most venues. Check with the venue.

(RHS Garden Rosemoor, Castle Drogo (NT): Assistance dogs only.)

Access:

• Most venues have level access, adjacent parking and accessible toilet facilities. For specific access information please call the box office on 01805 624624 or contact the individual venue via their website.
• There will be a £12.00 charge at Brushford  Barton for each vehicle to cover use of grounds for picnicking, parking and toilet facilities, etc. Payable on arrival by card/cash.

Other Info:

• Please bring cash for a raffle to support The Plough Arts Centre. £1 per ticket. One winner takes half the proceeds!
• We will adhere to any covid restrictions that apply during the period of the open air theatre festival