Experience Alice in Wonderland ‘lockdown style’ with outdoor theatre in Tamworth Castle Grounds

Families are being invited to finally get back to the theatre with a safe and socially-distanced show taking place in Tamworth’s picturesque Castle Grounds on Sunday, August 16.

The brand new performance of ‘Alice in Lockdown’ has been written by Heartbreak Productions to reflect the current times we are living in and provide a much-needed, antidote to the stay at home blues.

It will take place on the lower lawn of the Castle Grounds near the bandstand, with the stunning Tamworth Castle as the backdrop. This large area has plenty of space to enable families to bring picnic blankets or chairs and settle themselves in their own marked out areas, safely and socially distanced from others for the performance.

With two drive-in cinema events taking place in the grounds on the Friday and Saturday (August 14 and 15), this completes a great weekend of safe and enjoyable entertainment in Tamworth.

Alice in Lockdown has been designed to appeal to audiences of all ages and is a take on the classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, only this Alice ventures through the Lockdown Looking Glass.

She explores a curious world filled with Cheshire Cats, White Rabbits and Red Queens, all while keeping a safe distance of two metres and using PPE to do her shopping. Whether battling Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum for the last loo roll, or attending the Mad Hatter’s tea party via Zoom, Alice’s socially-distanced adventures will be fun for the whole family.

Cllr John Chesworth, Tamworth Borough Council’s cabinet member for culture and operational services, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to get this show for Tamworth.

“It’s been a quick turnaround following the easing of restrictions on outdoor performances, but we wanted to take the opportunity to secure some entertainment and culture for the people of Tamworth to enjoy.

“We’re really lucky to have our large and picturesque Castle Grounds which enables people to come and enjoy an afternoon of entertainment with their families safely.

“While times may be very different at the moment, we will continue to explore all opportunities for providing safe entertainment and leisure opportunities for our residents as coronavirus restrictions allow.

“We already have the drive-in cinema event taking place that weekend, with Grease on Friday evening and The Greatest Showman on Saturday evening. Tickets are selling well to both of those, but some are still available.

“With the addition of Alice in Lockdown on Sunday, this will round off a weekend of entertainment in the town that were delighted to be able to provide. I’d encourage people to get booking and support these events.”

Heartbreak Productions has been touring the UK, bringing unique outdoor theatre experiences to audiences for nearly 30 years, specialising in reframing Shakespeare and classics into modern/alternative settings, as well as family theatre and outdoor adaptions of children’s literature.

Ticket numbers for Alice in Lockdown are limited in accordance with social distancing requirements and are on sale now, priced at £12 for adults and £10 for under 16s and concessions, and must be booked in advance.

People can bring their own picnics, although refreshments will be available to buy on site, including hot and cold drinks and ice-cream from Tamworth’s Sticky Fingers. Audiences are asked not to take glass or gazebos on site.

Tickets for Alice in Lockdown and the drive-in cinemas, are available online at www.tamworthartsandevent.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01827 709618.