Painswick Rococo Garden is celebrating Gloucestershire's most famous literary icon, Laurie Lee, with an enchanting alfresco theatre experience — starring Game of Thrones actor, Anton Lesser, as the local poet.
On Midsummer's Day, Saturday 22 June 2024, there's the chance to catch two performances of Red Sky at Sunrise, which tells Lee's extraordinary story from his childhood in post-war Slad to fighting in the Spanish Civil War.
Taking inspiration from the writer's autobiographical trilogy and weaving his words with classical music, this captivating show was performed to a sell-out audience at the RSC in Stratford and the Oxford Playhouse — but this outdoor performance at Rococo Garden is set to be its most special yet, performed against the backdrop of Lee's own stomping ground, the gorgeous Slad Valley.
Anton Lesser is joined by Killing Eve actor Charlie Hamblett, who plays a younger version of Lee, with both actors portraying a range of other characters, too — beautifully accompanied by musicians from The Orchestra of the Swan.
Audiences can expect an immersive performance, capturing Lee's humour and darker side, with a sometimes-startling resonance with modern events.
Tickets include exclusive entry to Painswick Rococo Garden, so guests can soak up the glorious valley setting and get a feel for the Cotswold landscapes that inspired Lee.
Remember to bring a chair or blanket to sit on and pack a picnic — and you're welcome to bring a tipple, too!
Visit rococogarden.org.uk/red-sky-at-sunrise to purchase your tickets.
