New Forest Open Air Theatre
Connecting people with world-class performance, nature, and each other.
I am so happy to be a patron of the beautiful New Forest Open Air Theatre... There is nowhere like it. A glorious mix of theatre and trees; what could be better?
A Woodland Theatre for Everyone - Our new home in Hinton Admiral coming in 2027
In Elizabethan London, when theatres closed during outbreaks of plague, Shakespeare's company took their plays into the countryside. In the summer of 2020, after months of Covid isolation and with theatres once again silent, we followed their example. We assembled a company of actors, borrowed costumes and equipment from closed theatres, and staged two Shakespeare productions beneath the trees of the New Forest.
What began as an emergency response became something far more significant. After months of separation, people gathered again to laugh, cry and share stories under open skies. We saw first-hand the power of live performance to bring people together, and the restorative effect of spending time in nature.
Those productions inspired a simple but ambitious vision: to create a permanent open-air theatre in the heart of the New Forest.
For six years we have performed in the region while searching for a home. Now, we have finally found it near Burley, within the 5,500 acre Hinton Admiral Estate.
What We're Creating
Our vision is a unique woodland theatre where audiences can experience exceptional performance surrounded by nature, in Hinton Admiral.
The theatre will:
- Seat up to 300 people
- Use locally sourced coppiced timber
- Take inspiration from ancient amphitheatres
- Be designed in harmony with the landscape
- Be dismantled each season to minimise environmental impact
Hidden among the trees, it will offer an unforgettable setting for theatre, music, storytelling and community events.
Help Bring the Vision to Life
New Forest Open Air Theatre will be more than a venue. It will be a place where people gather beneath the trees to experience exceptional performance, connect with one another and create lasting memories.
With £750,000 still to raise, we are seeking individuals, trusts, foundations and businesses who share our belief in the power of culture, community and nature.
Gift
Be part of something extraordinary and help create an inspiring theatre for everyone.
Every gift makes a difference.
Founding Supporters
Join our patrons: Dame Judi Dench · Sir Mark Rylance · Sir Derek Jacobi · Geraldine Somerville · Dan Snow · Lady Candida Meyrick.
Become a Founding Supporter and play a part in this story from the beginning.
Download Our Project Brochure
Our Impact
We believe culture and nature should be accessible to everyone.
New Forest Open Air Theatre will:
- Bring high-quality arts to local communities
- Create opportunities for young people
- Support wellbeing through shared experiences in nature
- Provide learning, training and volunteering opportunities
- Support local artists and businesses
- Encourage sustainable cultural tourism
Alongside professional productions, the theatre will host community performances, outdoor learning programmes, workshops, family events and seasonal celebrations.
Our aim is simple: to create a place where people can connect—with stories, with nature and with one another.
Join us in creating something extraordinary
Download Our Project Brochure
Kitty Lardner in 'The Rivals' Aug 2025
Ben Cawley and Corey Mylchreest in Romeo and Juliet 2020
New Forest Open Air Theatre Arts Ltd is a charitable company (17300801) in the process of becoming a registered charity.
All donations support the creation of the new theatre.
Hilton Admiral Photography by Lee Cooper
Production Photography Marc Brenner
Production graphics by Rebekah Lidwell