Theatre in the Park
Pack a picnic, grab some camping chairs and get family and friends together for two enchanting theatre performances in the magical surroundings of Astley Park’s Walled Garden.
Every year, Theatre in the Park presents adaptions of much-loved books and plays to give families a lovely evening out with plenty of laughter, fun and a bit of drama. The outdoor performances are a fantastic experience for everyone to enjoy.
Bring your picnic and some refreshments to enjoy performances, which are suitable for all ages. Cafe Ambio opens until after the interval serving food and drink to make it a wonderful atmosphere, no matter what the weather is.
2018 Performances
This year’s performances will see Heartbreak Productions return to Astley Park Walled Garden for adaptions of The Railway Children on Sunday 12 August and Pride and Prejudice on Saturday 1 September.
Pride and Prejudice
Hoorah! We’re pleased to announce that the Prince Regent is coming to visit on Saturday 1 September. You are hereby required to attend an etiquette lesson hosted by The Association of Higher Etiquette and Manners (A.H.E.M.), who will educate you in the politesse of high society.
Join Chorley Council, Heartbreak Productions, the Bennet sisters, and a host of charming young bachelors (yes, Mr Darcy will be there. No really, yes, that Mr Darcy) for an evening of comedy, romance, and more than one come-uppance, as we learn how to behave, ahem, properly.
Champagne and cucumber sandwiches are permitted at this outdoor adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, but do ensure you know how to properly use a napkin, remember to chew with your mouths closed, and please try not to fall in love with Mr Darcy, as we believe he is very soon to be engaged. (You may also want to bring a blanket or chair to sit on and an umbrella, should the weather look inclement).
The performance starts at 5pm and lasts approximately two hours. Tickets are £14 for adults, £9 for children or a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) can be purchased for £40. A booking fee does apply. The Walled Garden will be open from 4.30pm for attendees and parking at Hallgate car park (behind Astley Hall) is free.
The Railway Children
Get everyone together for this classic family story. Gather around Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis on platform one as they pass the time by sharing the classic tale of The Railway Children. Living by the railway line, the children spend quite a bit of time watching the trains and making some unexpected friendships. There is the old gentleman who regularly takes the 9.15 train and helps them solve the mystery of what happened to their father, and the Russian immigrant who teaches them that compassion and understanding cross all boundaries.
All aboard! Full steam ahead! Find your travel companions and take your seats (bring your seats actually, and a picnic) for Heartbreak Productions’ outdoor adaptation of The Railway Children, a classic children’s tale by Edith Nesbit.
The performance starts at 5pm and lasts approximately two hours. Tickets are £14 for adults, £9 for children or a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) can be purchased for £40. A booking fee does apply. The Walled Garden will be open from 4.30pm for attendees and parking at Hallgate car park (behind Astley Hall) is free.
How to get there
Astley Hall, Coach House and Park is located minutes away from Chorley town centre, off junction 8 of the M61.
By car – SatNav: PR7 1XA
Chorley is easy to find – just off junction 8 of the M61. From there follow the many brown tourist road signs to Astley Hall, which is to the west of Chorley town centre through Astley Village.
We are also only a 15 minute drive from junction 27 of the M6, simply follow the A49 Preston route until you see the brown signs at the village of Euxton. Parking for cars and coaches is available in the Hallgate car park to the rear of Astley Hall, off Hallgate. This is approximately 300m from the front of the hall. There is no charge for parking at Hallgate.
By bus
Chorley is served by regular buses from surrounding areas, including, Blackburn, Bolton, Manchester and Preston. From the town’s bus station C8/9 minibuses operate every 15 minutes to Astley village (except Sundays).
By train
Chorley is on the Blackpool/Preston/Manchester line, only 30 minutes from the centre of Manchester. Chorley railway station is approximately 20 minutes’ walk from Astley Hall, through Astley Park’s entrance on Park Road or buses are available from the bus station opposite.
Euxton Balshaw Lane station is on the Liverpool/Wigan/Preston line and is approximately a 30 minute walk from Astley Hall.
Opening times
Entrance to Astley Hall is free and the Hall is open 12noon – 4.30pm every weekend and Monday to Wednesday during Chorley school holidays. We are also open Bank Holiday Mondays as well as Saturdays and Sundays.