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Outdoor Theatre at The Lodge: The Importance of Being Earnest

Enjoy the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company at The Lodge for an outdoor performance of The Importance of Being Earnest.

Bring along a hamper or relax and devour one of our freshly prepared picnic boxes whilst enjoying the performance within the beautiful surroundings of The Lodge Gardens. Suitable for all ages. Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks & ice creams will be on sale during the event.  Picnic boxes are only available to pre-order.  

Everybody loves Ernest. In fact, Cecily and Gwendolen are both engaged to Ernest. The only trouble is, he doesn’t exist. Or does he…?

Best friends Jack and Algy have both created alter-egos to win the affections of their beloveds; but when will they stop being Ernest and start being, well, earnest?  

Wilde’s comic masterpiece gets The Pantaloons treatment in their anarchic take on the classic comedy of manners. This energetic and musical production from the critically-acclaimed company infuses Wilde’s witty words with snappy new songs and frantically funny physical theatre to give this perennially popular play a hilarious contemporary twist.  

Additional Information:
Doors open at 6.15pm, performance starts at 7pm.
Performance finishes approx. 9pm (including a 20 minute interval).  

Tickets include free parking. Please park in the Yew Tree Car Park near The Lodge Gardens.
Please bring your own picnic blankets and chairs.
Please note, only assistance dogs are allowed at the performance, thank you. 
This is an all-weather, outdoor event and will only be cancelled in extreme weather.  

Take the hassle out of organising your dinner & pre-order from our range of sweet & savoury picnic boxes, freshly prepared by The Lodge Café.  You can add these to your tickets when checking out.  

Savoury Picnic Boxes:
🔹 Mediterranean Orzo Pasta & Feta Salad. Served with garlic bread & crudités. £8.95 (V)
🔹 Moroccan Harissa & Lemon Cous Cous Salad.  Served with flatbread & salad garnish. £8.95 (VE)
🔹 Ploughmans Platter including gala pie, local butcher ham, cheddar cheese with cider chutney, pickled onions, crackers, celery & grapes. £11.50
🔹 Vegetarian Ploughmans Platter including cheddar & stilton cheeses with cider chutney, boiled egg, pickled onions, crackers, celery & grapes. £10.95 (V)
🔹 Gluten Free Ploughmans Platter including local butcher ham, boiled egg, cheddar cheese with cider chutney, pickled onions, gluten free roll, celery & grapes. £10.95 (GF)

Dessert Picnic Boxes:
🔹 Homemade Cake Selection including lemon drizzle cake, old school cake & mini fruit scone with butter. £5.95 (V)
🔹 Homemade Fruit Scone with clotted cream & jam. £5.50 (V)

(V) = Vegetarian, (VE) = Vegan, (GF) = Gluten Free

If you have any dietary requirements which you would like to discuss, please email thelodgecafe@rspb.org.uk

FAQs

Are there minimum age requirements to enter the event? This Outdoor Theatre performance of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ is suitable for all ages.  All children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the performance.  

Do I need to pay for car parking? Car parking is included in your Outdoor Theatre event tickets. Attendees will be directed to park in the Yew Tree Car Park nearest The Lodge Gardens.  

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event? If travelling by car, use our postcode SG19 2DL to find us. See our website for full bus, train, bike and road options.  We have 4 bike racks on site.

What should I bring into the event? Please bring your own picnic blankets and chairs to sit on (gazebos & tents are not permitted). You are welcome to bring your own picnics & drinks to enjoy or you can pre-order from our range of freshly prepared picnic boxes. We recommend suitable outdoor clothing (umbrellas & coats or sunhats & sunscreen) depending on the weather.  

Can I bring my dog to the event? No dogs except for registered assistance dogs can attend the performance.   

Do you cater for special dietary needs? Yes, our pre-ordered picnic boxes cover a range of dietary needs. If you have any dietary requirements which you would like to discuss, please email thelodgecafe@rspb.org.uk  

Can I stay on the reserve after the session? The Lodge Reserve, including our toilets & car park will close after the performance.  

How can I contact the organiser with any questions? If you have any mobility issues you can contact thelodgereserve@rspb.org.uk before purchasing tickets to check whether the event is suitable for your needs. All bookings must be made online.  

What's the refund policy? This is an outdoor, open air theatre event and will only be cancelled in extreme weather. All bookings are final. Refunds will not be offered except in the instance that the event is cancelled by the organiser.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? Please bring proof of your ticket or email confirmation with you.

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