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Pinocchio presented by Illyria

A wooden puppet runs away yearning for adventure, but instead finds cruel bosses, con-artists and exciting attractions which always contain hidden dangers. How can he ever become a real boy when the lies he tells are as plain as the nose on his face?

  • Booking essential

Carlo Collodi’s classic is a perennial favourite. It is the third most translated book in the world, having appeared in no fewer than 260 languages since it was published in 1883, and has never been out of print. Childless toymaker Geppetto buys a piece of wood to make a puppet – little realising the chaos he is about to unleash. The puppet yearns for adventure and runs away, but instead of excitement only finds glorious attractions containing hidden dangers. He returns home hoping to be showered with sympathy and learns his tribulations are just beginning. Running away hasn’t worked; lying won’t work; he must become a real boy to achieve the belonging he craves. Collodi describes the development from puppet to real boy in the same way that useless green timber is matured into useful well-seasoned wood – a transformation only achieved through trials of water and fire. Illyria celebrates this magical coming-of-age tale in a thrilling musical outdoor show.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
Adult £19.00
Child £10.00

The basics

Booking details

Call Online sales only

Meeting point

This is an outdoor event. Please meet at the Main Gate and travel through to the Lake Area.

What to bring and wear

Bring your comfy seats for the show, bring a picnic and dress for the weather.

Accessibility

There are toilet facilities, an accessible toilet and a baby changing facility. Grounds - partly accessible, some hard standing paths near cafe, wider Forest paths are grass and can be very muddy in winter. Mobility parking - in Shell House car park

Upcoming events

Children’s Woodland Wellness Workshops 

Join Hannah from Rainbow Relaxation in the Forest setting for a workshop based around yoga and mindfulness in nature.

Event summary

on
18 Feb 2026
at 10:00 to 14:00

Walk with Us 

Join us for an hour long, gentle walk around the enchanting Hatfield Forest. Running on alternate Wednesdays and Fridays, everyone is welcome on our walks for wellness.

Event summary

on
20 Feb to 25 Mar 2026
at 10:00 to 11:00+ 5 other dates or times

Breathwork in the Forest 

A relaxing breathwork class, designed to calm the nervous system, clear tension from within and provide space to connect back to the mind, body and soul.

Event summary

on
8 Mar to 26 Apr 2026
at 10:00 to 11:00+ 3 other dates or times

Art Workshop for Adults 

Join artist Chloe Boyce for a relaxing, creative workshop in the beautiful surroundings of Hatfield Forest.

Event summary

on
21 Mar to 22 Aug 2026
at 13:00 to 16:00+ 4 other dates or times