Open air theatre at Morden Hall Park
My daughter’s been on a cruise. She’s been on a vintage fire truck. She’s sat on a camel – even if she got straight off. She’s been on planes galore, to the cinema and met some of the cast of Madagascar. Lucky little bunny, she is.
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But she’s never been to the theatre. Not until this week, at least. It’s not that we’d avoided it, but it’s only recently that I’ve felt comfortable with the thought that she might sit through a proper performance of something – and more to the point, understand it.
So an open air theatre, for a performance of The Jungle Book aimed at kids at Morden Hall Park, where they were actively encouraged to join in noisily, was the perfect first experience.
It also gave me a great excuse to visit Morden Hall Park itself, one of the few National Trust properties nearby which we haven’t managed to see – mostly because it’s a slightly tortuous route through bits of south-west London.
And even the weather joined in making it a great day: the danger of open air theatres (having sat through various ones in Regent’s Park) is that it’s glorious in the sun and not nearly so glorious in the rain.
Fortunately there were just enough clouds in the sky to stop me frazzling to a crisp but still sunshine to spare.
I’d even remembered to pack a mini picnic for my daughter. All that was left was to find a good spot in the rose garden and wait for the metaphorical curtain to rise.
Performed by Sixteen Feet Productions, the play is based on Rudyard Kipling’s original Jungle Book stories, rather than the Disney film.
Minnie loves the original movie, especially the songs, so I did have a moment’s worry about whether she’d get upset at the lack of the Bare Necessities and singing orang-utans.
I needn’t have worried. After the young audience was encouraged to howl like a wolf right at the start, she was hooked, mesmerised by the actors bringing the animals to life including Bandar-log monkeys and jackal Tabaqui.
Shere Khan had just the right amount of menace without terrifying the watchers – it’s aimed at over fives, and recommended not for under threes – while Baloo and Bagheera had plenty of fun trying to keep Mowgli (this time a girl) safe.
A promenade theatre piece, it meant we all dashed from place to place around the garden too, following the action before returning to our original set of picnic rugs. Minimal props, some clever costumes and music meant it wasn’t just the kids who were transported far from south London.
Whether they all appreciated the message about sharing the world with the animals, I’m not sure – as an adult, I couldn’t help feeling a certain sympathy for the lamed tiger whose jungle home is being destroyed by man.
The 90 minutes flew by and suddenly we were back in Morden Hall Park again with a bit more time to explore. The site is slightly unusual in that the park is open to the public, so there’s no fee to enter but equally none of the usual information you get as you go in.
The house is off-limits, although there are bigger signs with maps showing what we could find in the grounds.
We had a bit of bad luck, as the adventure playground was shut due to emergency tree surgery but there was another small playground with a wooden boat which kept Minnie amused. The rose garden itself was closed outside the performances too, so I was glad we’d had a very quick look.
And while the promised I Spy maps weren’t available either, we could tick another of our 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ off the list by playing Pooh sticks – quite a few games in fact.
Then Minnie decided the river, so clear that we could see the bottom, was home to crocodiles, many of whom needed feeding with pebbles.
Not having brought her swimming costume, I had to divert her from having a paddle afterwards – fortunately there’s a café which had a good stock of ice cream, and I even managed to snaffle a table outside where there are some lovely vegetable-themed little games for kids to play.
Dusty, smiling and having had so much fun that she fell asleep in the car on the way home, I asked my mini critic for her verdict. She thought hard, then announced very decidedly, “I liked it.” From a four-year-old, that’s practically a standing ovation.
Need to know: Morden Hall Park National Trust, London
Entry to Morden Hall Park is free, tickets to events such as the open air theatre often need to be booked in advance and have a separate cost – for example, ours were £12 and £8 respectively.
You can see some of the National Trust’s other open-air theatre suggestions around the country, as well as other upcoming events at Morden Hall Park on their website.
Disclosure: my tickets to the performance of the Jungle Book were courtesy of the National Trust. All opinions and miniature critics are my own. This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission
All images copyright MummyTravels
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I’ve never heard of this park but it looks absolutely lovely! Looks like the kids had a great time as well. I think the message of the Jungle Book is one that is highly relevant for all ages – as adults, it speaks volumes about our culture of unbridled consumerism which is so fatal for those who inhabit the same Earth that we do (it’s a bit like the movie Avatar in that sense, isn’t it)? We really need to do a better job of taking care of the environment and the flora and fauna, and it’s great that kids are being exposed to this idea from a young age.
It was my first visit as well but it looks gorgeous and a perfect place for the open air theatre. And I agree, it’s great to start sharing these messages with the next generation as soon as possible – especially as they’ll be the ones to really feel the impact in a few decades.
This sounds wonderful. I recently saw A Midsummers Night Dream at open air theatre and I’m a definite convert.
That would be perfect to see outdoors – such a lovely way to watch a performance
Looks like the kids are having fun in Morden Hall Park. Good job.
Absolutely – it’s a lovely day out.
This looks like great fun – and clearly met with approval from Minnie. I think Mrs T would have been a bit miffed if Bare Necessities wasn’t being belted out but Children’s theatre is so good these days and what a wonderful location (not to mention getting good weather)! #citytripping
I did wonder if I might get aggrieved queries but I think she was swept up in the magic of it, and seemed quite happy with the idea of a different story. So perfect on a sunny day.
What an adorable experience for your daughter! #CityTripping
She had such a great day.
I’ve still precious memories of my mother taking me with as a young girl to the theaters. Puss in Boots sticks still into my mind – most probably long memory is already taking place – it was about 40 years ago 😉
That’s wonderful – it’s amazing the things which do stick and stay so memorable years (decades) later.
it’s great that she liked it! I read a post about this estate a while ago, seems interesting:) #city tripping
It looks a lovely place – we could have spent a lot longer exploring the grounds if we’d had more time I suspect.
I just love National Trust places ! It’s always well maintained and very informative. And when they organised events, it’s even better ! #citytripping
They are fantastic aren’t they – always such great activities and events, and wonderful to explore.
Love the idea of a promenade theatre piece in the park during summer. Good to hear that your daughter liked it. #CityTripping
It was such a fun way to spend a couple of sunny hours – definitely something I’d love to try again.
Morden Hall always seems to have been tricky to access from where ever I have lived in London but managed to get there last year and it is well worth the trip. Open air theatre would make it even more special!
#CityTripping
It really is – it’s only about 15 miles from us but at the wrong time of day, that’s an hour’s drive… I’m so glad we made it, and the open air theatre was the perfect icing on the cake.
This is a lovely park and a great post! Have always wanted to do their open air theatre
Thanks! I hope you get to a performance another time, I’m going to be looking out for Sixteenfeet again.
It looks like a lovely setting for the Jungle Book performance, well worth it no doubt.
It was perfect – tucked away in the garden with lots of space to move from scene to scene, it was easy to feel transported
Looks a very nice afternoon!!!
& a very good idea to bring little ones to theatre! 😉
xx
Umberta
Absolutely – I hope this is the first of many performances
You know it was a great day when the 4 year old announces “I liked it!” Glad you all had so much fun. Love that the Jungle Book was so child-friendly and that pooh-sticks were played in the park. 🙂 #citytripping
Yes, there’s no sugaring the pill if she doesn’t – straight out with an honest opinion. I think she’d have played pooh sticks all day if there had been enough sticks too!
I love outdoor theatre. I still remembber my lines in 2 schools plays when I was about 8-9 (Midsummer Night’s Dream and Toad of Toad Hall) both performed outside in a park setting with no formal stage. I bet your daughter will remember her first theatre experience for a very long time.
It is rather special, isn’t it – I’ve been to a few wonderful plays at the open air theatre in Regent’s Park too. And I love that those memories have stuck with you: I do remember a school play I was part of aged about 10, playing a battleaxe granny in a murder mystery 😉
I love open air theatres and a children’s production sound like a good way to try it open for a little one x
Yes, I thought it would be easier… just in case!
That’s spot on for kids, and it’s great you can always quietly leave an open air theatre if your cherub truly kicks off. Glad she enjoyed it. Though when I attend Open Air events in Aberdeen, often the BP Opera in the Park, onscreen they cut from us shivering in coats to the Londoners swanning around in vests and shorts and I’m, quite frankly, jealous.
That’s just what I thought 🙂 And brrrr, I can imagine there are more chilly performances in Aberdeen, sunshine definitely not guaranteed even in London
p.s. #citytripping – every time!!!
Sounds idyllic for all of you, young and old. I really like the sound of this. I’ll keep my eye open for more theatre in the future #citytripping
Absolutely, a lovely day out.
Could these photos be any cuter? I think not. This looks like such a blast!
Thanks! Really fun.
How clever to hold a theatre in an open space rather than a theatre where kids are expected to stay seated without fidgeting! Love how it is so interactive and kids actually have to run around. I only wonder what’s their wet weather plan.. #CityTripping
Exactly – much less stressful to think they’re not confined to a seat for 90 minutes. I think the wet weather plan is umbrellas/raincoats! (Or no play if it’s really bad…)
Looks like fun for the kids 🙂
Lots of very happy ones that day.
What a great show, sounds like lots of fun! There was something similar in Brighton, a theatre production aimed at children, such a great idea 🙂 #CityTripping
It’s a lovely idea isn’t it