What: Oscar Wilde’s hilarious and chaotic much loved play brought to exhilarating life by Kent’s only open air theatre company

Where: The Walled Garden.

When: Saturday 23rd July. Performance starts: 7:30, picnics from 6:30

Price: For all ticket info please visit Eventbrite

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”

To be successful in love is to be called Ernest. Or so it is in Oscar Wilde's satirical masterpiece following the story of two eligible bachelors, Jack and Algy.

In love with two women who conveniently claim to only love men named Ernest, Jack and Algy create alter egos called Ernest to win their hearts.

 But it’s a struggle to keep up with their own stories and they quickly become tangled in a tale of deception, disguise and misadventure. The frankly bonkers plot of this play mocks Victorian sensibilities with some of the best loved and ludicrous characters to be found on the modern stage.

 And if that’s not sold it to you, there’s always that line about the handbag.

 Our gorgeous Walled Garden, with its amphitheater style terraces, is the perfect setting for some Shakespeare under the stars. Usually the terraces are roped off to visitors, but on theatre nights you get to enjoy the wonderful views as you picnic in style with friends and family before settling down under a cosy rug to enjoy first class theatre. The perfect combination!

We open the Walled Garden at 6:30pm for you to choose a spot and enjoy your picnic. We recommend that you bring a rug to sit on, and chairs are also permitted.  We also suggest bringing warm layers and a rug as the evening draws in. You are most welcome to bring picnics and alcohol. We will also be selling booze, hot drinks and ice cream.