Back for 2025, the hugely talented outdoor theatre group Illyria will perform Jane Austen’s classic, Pride and Prejudice in the grounds of  the beautiful Lingholm Estate.

With her tongue firmly in her cheek, Jane Austen tells us “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Mrs Bennet certainly thinks so. So when Mr Bingley – single, young, handsome, and with £5000 a year – moves into nearby Netherfield Park, she devotes all her energy to contriving for Jane, the eldest of her five daughters, to meet him during rural Hertfordshire’s whirlwind of social balls. But even Mrs Bennet draws the line at Mr Bingley’s disdainful friend Mr Darcy despite his whopping £10,000 a year. Thank heavens Lizzy, her second daughter, finds him detestable too! Or does she…? Can she see beyond his pride – and could he overcome her prejudice – to consider a possible future together?

Following seven sell-out seasons of this sparkling adaptation, award-winning Illyria returns to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in style. Bring a picnic and enjoy her at her vibrant, forthright, bitchy best!

Tickets: £20 adult

Running time (approx): 2hr 20min (inc 20 minute interval)
Suitable for all ages.

Bring seating and a picnic, and wear suitable clothing for the Cumbrian weather!
Only assistance dogs are permitted. Venue is wheelchair accessible.

Back for 2025, the hugely talented outdoor theatre group Illyria will perform The Wind In The Willows at the stunning location of Lowther Castle in aid of the Friends of Calvert Trust. We are delighted to be able to return to the beautiful grounds of Lowther Castle and they are generously including free all-day entry to the grounds and adventure playground on 27 August for ticket holders.

Timid Mole yearns to explore the wide world. Gruff old Badger enjoys peace and quiet. Rat likes summer picnics and just messing about in boats. Their idyllic lives on the Riverbank are turned upside down when Toad announces his latest in a long line of extravagant obsessions: a gypsy caravan. Generous Toad. Exciting Toad. Only-A-Tiny-Bit-Boastful Toad. The Riverbankers console themselves with the fact that he cannot possibly get any worse – until, bewitched by the roar of a motor-car and the screech of burning tyres, he does. The other animals resolve to save him from himself – but can they teach him even a jot of restraint AND help him evict the opportunistic stoats and weasels who have taken over his ancestral pile?

Multiple award-winning Illyria celebrates Kenneth Grahame’s timeless tale of friendship, laughter, the longing for home and the lure of adventure.

Tickets: £18 adult, £10 child, £50 family of 4 

Running time (approx): 1hr 40min (inc 20 minute interval)
Suitable for ages 5+ (younger children also welcome).