Skip to content
Skip to content

Outdoor Theatre: Upstream by Smoking Apples

Created by the award-winning puppetry and theatre company, Smoking Apples, we invite you into the enchanting world of Lyra, a fearless young water explorer.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Lyra lives on the marsh; running, rushing and clambering through the silt, a water explorer extraordinaire. Recently, she has noticed things don’t seem quite right, the water’s getting cloudier and even the otters don’t seem to play here anymore.

Not one to be frightened of the unknown, brave little Lyra camps out under the stars next to the river and her favourite willow tree, hoping to understand. As daylight turns to moonlight, Old Mother River comes to life, a spectacular 3 metre tall puppet, with willow hair and a beautiful creased and crinkled face.

Together they dive into Old Mother River’s memory pool, discovering what has happened beneath the surface, and how everyone can do something, to help protect our waters.

Performances are free with Normal Admission to Chartwell.

Dates: 2 August and 30 August.

Times: 11:00 and 14:00

Suitable for the entire family. Aimed at ages 4-11.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Suitability

Children encouraged

Meeting point

Please go to the Visitor Centre and they can advise where the performance will be taking place

What to bring and wear

Please dress appropriately for the weather. No seating will be provided. The event is on grass.

Upcoming events

Event

Conservation in Action at Chartwell 

See Chartwell a little differently and learn about the preventive conservation our Collections team undertake to ensure the preservation of Sir Winston Churchill's heritage.

Event summary

on
28 Apr to 10 Oct 2025
at
11:30 to 14:30
+ 10 other dates or times
Event

Chartwell Highlights Tour: 'This is your victory' VE Day 

On May 8, 1945, Winston Churchill stood overlooking Whitehall and declared ‘This is your victory’, but as the gathered crowds cheered and waved there seemed no doubt as to where their gratitude lay.

Event summary

on
28 Apr to 27 Jun 2025
at
16:00 to 17:00
+ 41 other dates or times
Event

VE Day 80. Children's Trail 

Discover more about Chartwell's wartime characters and celebrations in this interactive family trail round the gardens.

Event summary

on
1 May to 31 May 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 30 other dates or times
Event

VE Day 80. Saturday May 3 

Join the VE Day celebrations at Chartwell this May as we mark 80 years since the momentous day with historical interpretation, music, and events.

Event summary

on
3 May 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00