Outdoor theatre: The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle
12 July, gates open 5.45pm. Performance 6.30-8.20pm. Illyria perform this much-loved family adventure; when Dr Dolittle learns how to talk to animals, he embarks on a thrilling quest to cure illness, spread kindness, and better understand animals.
- Booking essential
- Admission applies
Please bring your own seating/rug, suitable clothing and a picnic. Well-behaved dogs on leads are permitted. Venue is wheelchair accessible.
Doctor Dolittle leads a simple life as the village doctor in sleepy Puddleby-On-The-Marsh. He often undercharges his patients, or even treats them for free, so he is terribly poor. But one day, with the help of his wise old parrot Polynesia, he makes an extraordinary discovery: that he can talk to animals.
As news of his talent as an animal doctor spreads, animals across the world send messages asking for his help. So he borrows a leaky old ship and embarks on a thrilling quest to cure illness, spread kindness, and better understand animals everywhere. He is joined on his adventures by a loyal animal crew: Jip (a dog), Chee-Chee (a monkey), Dab Dab (a duck), and Gub Gub (an ever-hungry, cake-loving pig) – who together may even help him fix his money problems once and for all!
Hugh Lofting’s timeless classic celebrates the power of empathy and inspires audiences young and old to see the world through the eyes of animals. This funny, exciting new family musical is performed with flair and wit by Illyria in the great outdoors.
Running time (approx): 1hr 50mins (inc 20 minute interval) Suitable for ages 5+ (younger children also welcome) Book early to avoid missing out.
Illyria supports the Equity union's Charter for Outdoor Theatre
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Adult Carer (one per paid booking) | £0.00 |
| Adult Adult ticket + booking fee | £21.08 |
| Child Child ticket + booking fee | £10.54 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 0333 666 3366
- Suitability
This is a family-friendly show.
- Meeting point
Once you've shown your ticket, follow the main path to the north lawn.
- What to bring and wear
It might be summer, but the evenings can get chilly. Bring jumpers to pull on as the temperature lowers and wear comfortable outdoor clothing. Please bring a picnic and something to sit on!
- Accessibility
This performance is held on a grassed area. There is a small slope as you come off the gravel path and head to the performance.
- Other
It's about a 10 minute walk from the visitor car park to the north lawn. You'll need to be able to carry your chairs and picnics up so make sure your things aren't too heavy.
Upcoming events
Tomb Chamber stained glass display
Explore a completed project to conserve The Vyne's stained-glass windows and see 18th-century glass items from the collection in two first-floor rooms. Inspired by windows, you’ll find brainteasing puzzles and community artwork in the old kitchen.
Heritage explorer trail
Everywhere you look there’s some archaeological evidence to be found. Become a heritage explorer for the day and see what you can find using a free spotter sheet available at Visitor Reception.
Basingstoke Choral Society | Songs for a Summer’s Day
Saturday 20 July, 12-12.30pm and 1.30-2pm. Back by popular demand, join us on The Vyne’s north lawn to enjoy heavenly repertoire performed by the Basingstoke Choral Society. Free performance, normal admission applies.
Summer games at The Vyne
For an energetic day out, all ages can enjoy bean bag shot put, an obstacle course, long jump, high jump, triple jump, relay race, hurdles and ribbon gymnastics in the gardens at The Vyne.