New Forest Open Air Theatre Arts
FOUNDING SUPPORTERS
Be part of something extraordinary
A magical open-air theatre is taking root in the New Forest - Help bring it to life.
We need shared experiences and connection with nature more than ever. After six years of creating theatre outdoors, we now have a rare opportunity: to establish a permanent home where performance, nature and community come together.
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.
Opening Summer 2027.
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?
Your support will help:
- Create a beautiful, sustainable theatre in the woods
- Make world-class theatre accessible to all
- Bring communities together, including those who feel isolated
- Inspire young people and create new opportunities
- Offer meaningful shared experiences in nature
This is a rare opportunity to help bring something lasting into being — and we can’t do it without you.
Your membership runs until July 2028 and includes behind-the-scenes updates as the theatre comes to life.
Supporter Levels
ACORNS
Friend of the Forest
Be part of the founding community and help plant the first roots.
Includes:
- Behind-the-scenes updates
- Priority booking
Most Popular!
Founding Friend
A meaningful way to support the project from the very beginning.
Includes all Friend of the Forest benefits, plus:
- Recognition as a Founding Friend
- Entry into dress rehearsal ticket lottery
Founding Friend Circle
Step closer to the work and deepen your support.
Includes all Founding Friend benefits, plus:
- Invitations to selected previews (subject to availability)
- Opportunities to meet the creative team
OAKS
Founding Patron
Become part of a close circle giving vital help to bring the theatre to life, and be part of the journey with us.
Includes all Founding Friend Circle benefits, plus opportunities such as:
- Site visit during development
- Name in the inaugural programme
- Invitations to rehearsals, previews and opening celebrations
- Exclusive events with the Artistic Director, creatives and guest artists
- Enhanced recognition on site
- Regular insider updates from the artistic team
Principal Founders (bespoke)
We are seeking a small number of exceptional individuals and organisations to help bring this theatre into being.
This is not a level of support, but a partnership.
With £650,000 still to raise, a small group of visionary supporters will play a defining role in shaping the New Forest Open Air Theatre. Gifts of £10,000–£200,000 will influence what this place becomes, from its earliest days to its long future.
As a Principal Founder, your relationship with the theatre will be personal and enduring. You will be part of a close inner circle — connected to the thinking, the making, and the people behind it, with direct access to the Artistic Director and creative team.
You will also have the chance to meet our distinguished patrons and ambassadors.
You will spend time with us in the woods as the theatre takes shape, experiencing the work as it is created and sharing in key moments along the way.
Your support will leave a permanent mark — not only on the theatre itself, but on the generations it will inspire.
This is an opportunity to help create something that will outlast us all: a place where story, nature and community meet.
We would be delighted to speak with you personally.
Marcel Bruneau
Chair of Trustees, New Forest Open Air Theatre Arts Ltd
Holly Jackson Walters in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' Aug 2020
Michaela Bennison in 'The Comedy of Errors' Aug 2022
Kitty Lardner, Emma Whittaker and Poppy Parfitt in 'The Rivals' Aug 2025
Ben Cawley in A Midsummer Night's Dream Aug 2020
Richard Keightley in 'Ghost Stories' Oct 2023
Tracey Ann Wood in Twelfth Night Aug 2023
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.
Main page photo by Lee Cooper
Production Photography Marc Brenner