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Half-term is the perfect occasion for families to come together and immerse themselves in a world of enchantment and creativity. This month, a curated selection of family performances awaits, promising to ignite the imagination and bring joy to children and adults alike at Hemsted Park at Benenden School in Cranbrook, Kent.
Kinder: A Multifaceted Tale
One of the highlights this October is “Kinder,” a multi-award-winning show by Smoking Apples. This unique production invites audiences to step into an immersive set, where the story unfolds through playful hatches and openings. “Kinder” tells the gripping tale of a young Czech-Jewish girl’s escape across Europe on a Kindertransport train, a journey from Prague to Margate just before World War II.
The Sleeping Beauty: Dance Delight
From the creators of beloved productions like “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Nutcracker,” Let’s All Dance presents “The Sleeping Beauty.” This captivating ballet introduces children to the wonder of live dance. Character-driven narratives engage all the family. Dazzling dancers, Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score, and gorgeous costumes bring this classical ballet to life.
A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings: A Darkly Comic Gem
Inspired by Gabriel García Márquez’s darkly comic tale, exploring the human response to those who are weak, dependent, and different. This thought-provoking show combines music, puppetry, and live video projection to create a magic-realist experience rich in beauty and emotion.
Puppetry, Interactivity, and Storytelling…
This half-term, our programme has a strong emphasis on puppetry, interactivity, and storytelling, offering immersive experiences that captivate both young and old by bringing delightful characters and unforgettable stories to life.
Hemsted Park is a leading performing arts venue in the heart of Kent, based on the stunning 250-acre site of the world-renowned Benenden School.
Hemsted Park’s performance spaces principally comprise the stunning new Centenary Hall, which has established one of the foremost concert halls in the South East of England, and the separate beautiful purpose-built Theatre. Other spaces include The Bonnie Yeung-Tsang Recital Hall as well as the historic parkland that Hemsted Park is proud to call its home.
These multi-purpose spaces allow a wide range of events; with everything from standup comedy to full orchestras and from professional plays to children’s ballet shows, Hemsted Park is able to offer performances to suit all tastes.
