Outdoor Theatre Performance: As You Like It performed by Illyria
In this play Shakespeare explores Love in all its guises.
- Booking essential
Four pairs of soulmates meet in the mysterious Forest of Arden. One pair leap straight into bed. Another pair are instantaneously dumbstruck by each other’s beauty and pledge their undying troth. The third pair torment each other: he showers chaste love upon her which she haughtily rejects - yet secretly she enjoys the flattery. The fourth pair go further still, playfully blurring their roles and identities to such an extent that flirting becomes more pain than pleasure, and Love itself is pushed to the limit of its endurance – and beyond. Throughout the summer Shakespeare’s iconic comedy will be performed where its action is set – in the great outdoors, by a 5-strong cast of classically trained professional actors. Multi international award-winning Illyria has an unmatched reputation for excellence, forged over three decades, that dominates the outdoor touring theatre sector. Join them this summer for a memorable night of laughter and romance under the stars.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Please follow the 'check availability' link.
6:30pm start time, gates open from from 5:30pm. The performance will last approximately 140 minutes (+ a 20 minute interval).
Picnics are welcome at this performance.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Adult | £23.85 |
| Child Under 3 | £0.00 |
| Child Under 18 | £13.01 |
| Concession Registered Carer | £0.00 |
The basics
- Booking number
Call 01280 817156
- Accessibility
Accessible toilet available at New Inn. Plenty of accessible car parking. Dogs welcome on lead.
- Meeting point
Use postcode MK18 5EQ for Stowe Gardens car park and head to New Inn upon arrival.
- Suitability for children
Children welcome!
- What to bring and wear
This is an outdoor performance. We recommend that you bring blankets/chairs etc, to sit on. Come prepared with warm coats, waterproofs etc, but no umbrellas as the show will go on come rain or shine!
- Other
Illyria was created in 1991, and ever since has delighted audiences the length and breadth of the UK, and in the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France, the United States and Canada. Illyria has also won 4 international "Best Performance" awards and attracted numerous "5-star" and "Critics' Choice" reviews for the lively clarity of its approach to Shakespeare's plays, the high quality of its shows for Families and the refreshing originality of its English classics adaptations and Gilbert & Sullivan performances. Illyria's mission is simply stated: to create a varied programme of outstandingly enjoyable theatre and to make it available for everyone to see. Illyria has given more performances to more people across a wider area than any other open air touring theatre company, its presence dominates the sector and its standards set the bar high. Illyria complies with the Equity Union's Outdoor Touring Theatre Guidelines and ensures that all its actors are paid a fair living wage and treated with respect and dignity.
Upcoming events
Guided Tours at Stowe Gardens
Are you interested in the history of Stowe Gardens? Join us for a free guided tour led by our tour guide volunteers every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 11am.
Accessible Guided Tours
Are you interested in the history of Stowe Gardens? Join us for a free guided accessible tour led by one of our tour guide volunteers.
The Big Stowe BioBlitz 2026
A 'BioBlitz' is an attempt to record as much biodiversity as possible within one day, and we need your help!
Trust 10K Run
Join us on the fourth Sunday of the month for our free 10k trail run.