Kent's attractions have theatre, cinema and opera performances taking place throughout the Summer:

Open Air Theatre: "The Twits"

Bedgebury National Pinetum, Wednesday 29th August 2012, 2.30pm

Live open-air theatre returns to Bedgebury National Pinetum this summer and tickets are already selling like hot cakes. Illyria will be presenting an ingenious staging of much-loved children's classic The Twits by Roald Dahl (adapted by David Wood) in Bedgebury's picturesque Walled Garden.

"This is our fourth year of open air theatre."  Says Cath Weeks, Bedgebury's Learning & Interpretation Manager. "The Twits is a show that all ages can enjoy and promises to be a highlight of the summer holidays.  Everyone can bring rugs  or fold-up chairs and settle down to watch a fun show in a peaceful and atmospheric setting."

The show starts at 2.30pm and runs for one and a half hours, with a 20 minute interval. Talking of hot cakes, refreshments will be available and picnickers are welcome. There is easy parking close by.

Tickets priced at £9 for children and £12 for adults are on sale from April via the Forestry Commission Box Office on 03000 680400. 

Open Air Cinema: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”

Leeds Castle, 10th August 2012, 6pm

Re-join the Time Warp at our open air cinema screening of this cult British film in the grounds of the castle. The film is rated 15. Gates open at 6pm.

Tickets (over 15 years): £15

Open Air Theatre: "As you like it”

Belmont House and Gardens, Friday 20th July 2012, 7.30pm

“As You Like It” is considered by many to be one of Shakespeare's greatest comedies – performed by The Changeling and the Hazlitt Arts Centre. Bring a blanket, some wine and a picnic whilst you enjoy the performance in the beautiful surroundings of the walled garden. You can access the grounds from 6.30pm ready for the performance to begin at 7.30pm.

Tickets available now!  Box Office 01622758611 or visit www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk

Open Air Theatre: "Grimm’s Fairytales"

Hall Place and Gardens, Thursday 19 July, 7pm (gates open at 6pm)

Magic, music and darkly delicious tales of wicked witches, talking animals, and dashing adventurers. This inventive show by The Pantaloons is a must for adults and children alike. Bring a rug or low-backed chair to sit on. Picnics welcome.

£12 adults, £10 concs, £8 under 16s. No under 5s. All tickets in advance.

Open Air Cinema: "Grease" (cert. PG)

Hall Place and Gardens, Wednesday 8 August, 7.30pm (film starts at 8.45pm)

The greatest musical film of all time! Whether you're a T Bird or a Pink Lady, come and join John Travolta and Olivia Newton John as we take you back to the 50s!  Featuring classic songs such as "Greased Lightning", "Summer Loving" and "You're the One That I Want" this is quite simply the perfect film for open air cinema!

Tickets from www.lunacinema.com or call 0844 8586767 All tickets in advance.

Open Air Cinema: "The Artist" (2011, cert PG)

Danson House, Wednesday 5 September, Gates open 6.30pm, film starts 7.45pm
 
The most celebrated film of the year comes to Danson House!  The undisputed champion of this year's Oscars, (winning 5 awards including best picture) "The Artist" is a true modern classic, celebrating the final days of the silent movie in Hollywood. 

All tickets must be bought in advance - book early to avoid disappointment.  Go to www.thelunacinema.com or call 0844 858 6767

Open Air Theatre: "Black Beauty"

Finchcocks, 11 & 12 July, 7.00pm (Pre-theatre workshop with live horse at 6pm)

PEEL Heritage brings the classic novel 'Black Beauty' to life this summer at Finchcocks in a stylish and contemporary open-air theatre production. Catering available with fully licensed bar. As told through the eyes of the stallion, the story follows Black Beauty's life as a workhorse in the 19th century - from his carefree days on a country farm to a more grueling existence.

Find out more by visiting our website: www.finchcocks.co.uk

Open Air Opera: "La Boheme"

Chartwell, 31 August 2012, 7.30pm

An operatic masterpiece set in Paris in the 1830’s.

£27.50 Adults; £10.00 Children Age 5 – 16 Under 5’s  FREE. Booking 01444 443000 or online www.operabrava.co.uk 

Open Air Theatre: "As You Like It"

Rochester Castle, Wednesday 4 July 2012

Open Air Theatre: "As You Like It"

Upnor Castle, Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 July 2012

Open Air Cinema: "The Artist"

Rochester Castle, Thursday 2 August 2012

Open Air Cinema: "Dirty Dancing"

Rochester Castle, Friday 3 August 2012

Open Air Cinema: "Back to the Future"

Rochester Castle, Saturday 11 August 2012

Open Air Theatre: "Henry V"

Tonbridge Castle, 21 August 2012, 7.30pm

Open Air Theatre: "HMS Pinafore"

Tonbridge Castle, 28 August 2012, 7.30pm

Open Air Theatre: "Romeo and Juliet"

Chiddingstone Castle, Friday 24 August 2012, 6.30pm

Family and friends can enjoy Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in the idyllic, historic surroundings of the Castle's Grade II* Orangery. The Chapterhouse Theatre Company brings Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers to Chiddingstone Castle for a memorable and magical summer evening. The romantic castle orangery is the perfect setting to enjoy the greatest love story ever told as Shakespeare’s unforgettable tale of romance and passion.

Gates open at 5.30pm.  Please bring rugs or low backed chairs and if you wish a picnic.  Light refreshments will be available from the Tea Room during the interval. Tickets are available from www.seetickets.com, Tunbridge Wells Tourist Information Centre (01892 515675) or by calling the Castle on 01892 872746.  Adults £13.50; Students & Children £9; Families (2 adults and 2 children) £40. 10% discount for parties of 10 or more. For more information please visit www.chapterhouse.org or to find out more about Chiddingstone Castle visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

Open Air Theatre: "Romeo and Juliet"

Chiddingstone Castle, Wednesday 15 August 2012, 6.30pm

Family and friends can enjoy Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice in the idyllic, historic surroundings of the Castle's Grade II* Orangery.

On Wednesday, 15 August at 6.30pm the wonderful classic ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (adapted by Laura Turner) will take audiences back in time to meet Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters. The story unfolds as Elizabeth’s mother tries determinedly to pair her off with the detestable Mr Collins, Elizabeth meets the rude and abrupt Mr Darcy. But is there more to him than meets the eye? Join family and friends for what promises to be the most splendid evening of the summer as you picnic under a beautiful summer sky and revel in this most renowned of love stories. After all, it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
 
Gates open at 5.30pm.  Please bring rugs or low backed chairs and if you wish a picnic.  Light refreshments will be available from the Tea Room during the interval. Tickets are available from www.seetickets.com, Tunbridge Wells Tourist Information Centre (01892 515675) or by calling the Castle on 01892 872746.  Adults £13.50; Students & Children £9; Families (2 adults and 2 children) £40. 10% discount for parties of 10 or more.  For more information on either production please visit www.chapterhouse.org or to find out more about Chiddingstone Castle visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

Open Air Theatre: "Kind Arthur and the Sword in the Stone"

Emmetts Garden, Tuesday 7 August 2012, 6pm – 8pm

Bring a picnic and enjoy the Cambridge Touring Theatre’s adaptation of King Arthur and the Sword in the Stone.

Call 01732 750367 for further details. £13 adult/ £9 child/ £40 family