Theatre has been part of the soul of the Arundel Festival of the Arts since 1978. That year the New Shakespeare Company staged Twelfth Night in Arundel Castle's Tilting Yard to raise money for the Silver Jubilee Celebrations. The event, which sold out twice, was such a success that the next year it seemed like a very good idea to do it again... And, the Arundel Festival was born. Today, theatre remains a core element of the 10-day Festival, and you can enjoy performances from amateur ensembles and professional theatre companies in indoor and open-air venues across Arundel.
Drama and the many theatrical performances are always a highlight of the Arundel Festival. Local theatre company, Drip Action, like to produce new, lesser known work that will entertain, be thought provoking, challenging and funny - often at the same time. Home productions are performed in their studio theatre at The Victoria Institute in Arundel, at The Townhall and in private homes. Plays this year include; Inappropriate by Simon Brett, The Hippopotamus Hypothesis by Hilary Spiers and Dolly gets her Shot by Cary Pepper and Love Song by Dawn Smithers.
The Arundel Players will have two plays at The Priory Playhouse - Surplus Women at 12 noon and Cider with Rosie at 7.30pm.
You can also enjoy 'thought-provoking, challenging and interesting' Words Music Wine events in unique private venues around town. Talks this year include; Kate Mosse CBE Number 1 Best selling author, Surviving Banksy by his former assistant, The Crown in Vogue, Why we love our pets so much by Bruce Fogle MBE, The Spin Doctor with Simon Lewis OBE and Ernest Shackleton - Endurance & Leadership.
And, just like the very first year, for lovers of the Bard, Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet will be staged in the
Collector Earl's Garden at Arundel Castle.
Drama performance is always a highlight at Arundel Festival of The Arts. Local theatre company, Drip Action, like to produce new, lesser known work that will entertain, be thought provoking, challenging and funny - often at the same time. Home productions are performed in their studio theatre at the Victoria Institute in Arundel and at midsummer in the atmospheric Chapel Barn in South Stoke.
Arundel Festivals & Events is proud to launch the "Arts for All" programme, a new initiative with the aim of making the arts accessible to everyone, regardless of background or ability. As a charity dedicated to promoting cultural arts, we aim to enhance education and appreciation of all artistic disciplines through inclusive and engaging opportunities.
The “Arts for All’ programme seeks to break down barriers to participation in the arts by offering accessible and inclusive opportunities for individuals who may not otherwise have the chance to engage in creative activities. Whether it’s learning to play an instrument, exploring visual arts, dancing, theatre, or creative writing, this programme is about fostering creativity and community spirit through group activities that encourage collaboration and a shared appreciation of the arts.
The programme is open to everyone, with a particular focus on individuals who may face challenges in accessing artistic opportunities, including those with disabilities, financial limitations, or social barriers. Our goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone can explore and enjoy the arts.
The “Arts for All” programme is something that the trustees are particularly passionate about, as we believe that the arts should be accessible to all. By aligning this programme with the other activities already undertaken by the charity year on year, we will create meaningful opportunities for people to showcase their work.
We welcome participants, volunteers, and supporters to join us in making the “Arts for All” programme a success.
If you are interested in taking part, helping out or supporting the programme in any way, please contact us at trustees@arundelfestival.co.uk
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Arundel Festival Ltd
Registered Company No: 7140043
Registered Charity No: 1136508
Registered Address: Waugh & Co, 51 High Street, Arundel. BN18 9AJ