'The Importance of being Earnest' performed by The Changeling Theatre

Historic, family run Gardens just outside Sevenoaks, Kent.We use our gorgeous Walled garden, with terraced lawns and water feature as the perfect outdoor theatre location. Come and enjoy a picnic on the terraces before the performances start, a lovely setting for an evening under the stars watching amazing theatre.Plenty of free parking. Bring your own picnics & drinks. We also have a bar selling pimms & bubbly etc as well as hot drinks and ice creams.We have an annual Summer theatre season with a choice selection of high quality theatre making it the perfect Summer evening activity.

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

A hilarious caper with a cast of lovable and ludicrous characters. If that’s not sold it to you, there is always the line about the HANDBAG.

Outdoor Theatre 2022

Join us this summer for outstanding theatre, performed in a stunning location. Our Walled Garden, with grass terraces, blooms and central water feature is the perfect location to picnic with friends and family before settling back to enjoy the performance

Changeling Theatre is delighted to present Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, marking the company’s 21st year of touring.“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”To be successful in love is to be called Ernest. Or so it is in Oscar Wilde's satirical masterpiece following the story of two eligible bachelors, Jack and Algy. In love with two women who conveniently claim to only love men named Ernest, Jack and Algy create alter egos called Ernest to win their hearts. But it’s a struggle to keep up with their own stories and they quickly become tangled in a tale of deception, disguise and misadventure. The frankly bonkers plot of this play mocks Victorian sensibilities with some of the best loved and ludicrous characters to be found on the modern stage. Changeling Theatre produces high quality, entertaining theatre in non-traditional locations for community audiences across South East England. Productions range from re-interpretations of Shakespeare and modern classics to working with new writers and composers to create innovative new theatre.The amphitheatre style terraces of our enchanting Walled Garden are the perfect setting for some hilarity under the stars. We open The Walled Garden at 6.30pm for you to make yourselves at home and take in the views whilst you enjoy your picnic with friends and family before settling down under a cosy blanket to enjoy first rate theatre - the perfect combination. Please bring rugs or chairs to sit on and don't forget warm layers and blankets for when the evening draws in.You are welcome to bring your own picnic and alcohol. We will also be offering booze, hot drinks and ice cream during the evening.FAQsHow long will the Early Bird offer last ?Early Bird tickets will be available until two months before the performance date. Please note there are limited quantities of Early Bird tickets.Will tickets be available to purchase on the door ?Yes - if the show is not sold out. But these will be at a higher rate of Adults at £23 and child, 2021 Season Ticket holders or 2021 Friend's pass holders at £18 each. Please note that we do usually sell out in advance.Are children welcome at the event?Yes, children are welcome, and tickets are available for children  (age 4-16) at £15 each.  Please do be considerate of our other guests when deciding whether to bring your younger children.What should I bring to the event?Seating for the event is on the grassy terraces in our Walled Garden, so we recommend you bring a blanket to sit on. You may also bring chairs if you wish. As this is an outdoor event you should bring an extra layer of clothing as the air is likely to get chilly as the evening continues. You should also consider checking the weather forecast in advance, and bring an umbrella and waterproofs in the event of rain.  Due to the gradient of the path from the car park, we advise you to wear flat shoes. High heels are not suitable for this event.You are welcome to bring a picnic to the event, including alcohol. Our Events Bar will also be open all evening, selling a selection of alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee and ice cream.Is seating reserved?No, seating is not reserved. The Walled Garden will be open from 6.30pm for guests to take their seats. We may ask you to sit in certain areas to ensure there is enough space for everyone but we try to be as accommodating as possible.How long is the performance?The Walled Garden opens at 6.30pm for you to take your seats and get settled, and the performance begins at 7.30pm. As the show is still in rehearsals we are not yet able to confirm the running time.Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?Yes, please bring your printed ticket to the event. If you do not have access to a printer, you can show the ticket on your mobile or tablet and the QR code will be scanned. We cannot guarantee entry without your ticket.What happens if it rains?If light showers are forecast the performance will continue. Please do check the weather forecast in advance, and remember to bring your umbrellas and waterproofs if required.Performances are only cancelled in storm conditions. In the unfortunate event that a performance does need to be cancelled due to weather conditions, the decision will be made 30 minutes before curtain up. An announcement will be made to the audience within the Walled Garden and on Facebook.What is the refund policy?Unfortunately, tickets are non-refundable.If the performance is cancelled due to storm conditions before the performance has started you will be offered a refund for your tickets. The decision to cancel the performance will not be made until 30 minutes before curtain up. In the event of cancellation an announcement will be posted on Facebook.If the performance is cancelled due to storm conditions after the performance has started you will be offered tickets to an alternative performance by The Changeling Theatre, when possible. We will only be able to offer tickets to alternative performances where tickets are still available. Is the event accessible?Although The Walled Garden is accessible, please also be aware that seating is on our grasses terraces.I need a carer's ticketWe offer free entry to registered carers, when accompanying someone with additional needs. Please purchase 1 ticket and then add a free carer ticket (or 2 if that is what you need). Please bring a valid form of disability documentation with you.If the carer's tickets are showing as sold out please get in touch with us so we can assist you: kate@riverhillgardens.co.ukWhat are my transport/parking options getting to the event?Parking at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens is free. As you enter the Gardens our parking is sign-posted to your left. Please be aware that the car park is on a hill, so our gravel walkways and paths are sloped. For accessible parking, please follow the signs down the drive towards Riverhill House.For further information about how to get to Riverhill Himalayam Gardens, including public transport links, visit our website <a href="http://www.riverhillgardens.co.uk/new-findus.html" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">http://www.riverhillgardens.co.uk/new-findus.html</a>Can I come earlier?Your ticket is for the Changeling Theatre production in our Walled Garden, and does not give you access to other areas of the garden. The Walled Garden opens at 6.30pm for you to take your seats. Can I bring my dog?Although we welcome well behaved dogs on leads throughout the season, we are not able to accept dogs to this event.Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?If you have any further questions about this event, please contact Kate Westbrook: kate@riverhillgardens.co.uk or on 01732 459777.