Friday 12th August

Awful Auntie by the UK’s most loved children’s writer, David Walliams, comes to Borde Hill Garden this summer with a thrilling open air theatre show staged by Heartbreak Productions.

The play tells the story of Stella Saxby, who is tormented by her awful Aunt Alberta and her giant owl. The dastardly duo will stop at nothing to take her inheritance from her.

Description:
The new playground at the Saxby Hall Orphanage is finally complete, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you. The orphanage was founded by Stella Saxby, who some of you may remember. Her parents were killed in a car crash in 1933, leaving her an orphan, all alone with her Awful Auntie. And when we say awful, we mean awful. Aunt Alberta and her best friend Wagner, a vicious Bavarian owl, tried everything they could to torment Stella into signing over the deed to Saxby Hall. But Stella, with the help of her friend Soot (the ghost of a chimney sweep, but friends come in all shapes and sizes, don’t they?) fought off Aunt Alberta, saved Saxby Hall, and gifted the beautiful Saxby Hall to be used as an orphanage.

Awful Auntie is a truly thrilling tale. Owls, ghosts, chases, escapes, motorcycle rides, and tiddlywinks all fill Stella’s days as she evades her menacing Aunt and saves the family home. So, please join us at the dedication of the new playground at Saxby Hall and hear how it all came about.

Make sure you bring a blanket or chair to sit on, weather-appropriate gear, and a picnic, as the tale could take some time to tell, and storytelling can be hungry work!

Performed on the South Lawn against the backdrop of the Elizabethan Mansion House, Heartbreak Productions’ version of this popular children’s book is suitable for children aged 7+.

Refreshments will be available throughout the performance.
Running time: 2 hours

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