SPRING/ SUMMER26
Inpartnershipwith
Welcome
As the days grow longer and the gardens around Hemsted Park come into bloom, we are delighted to invite you to a vibrant Spring and Summer season of live performance, music, comedy and family theatre. Building on the success of recent years, Hemsted Park continues to grow as a cultural destination, welcoming both returning audiences and new visitors to enjoy exceptional events in our unique setting.
This season brings an exciting mix of performances from much-loved names and outstanding artists. We are thrilled to welcome internationally renowned vocal ensemble VOCES8, alongside the return of iconic jazz collective Ronnie Scott’s Presents: Miles Davis at 100. Audiences can also enjoy the glamour and nostalgia of big-band music, cinematic orchestral evenings and classic crooner favourites. For families, magical storytelling and theatre promises joyful daytime experiences, while comedy fans can look forward to evenings of laughter with performers who truly understand their audience.
As always, our programme has been curated to offer something for everyone — from uplifting music and entertaining comedy to memorable family performances and shared cultural moments. Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning as part of our growing community, we hope you discover events that inspire, entertain and bring people together.
We look forward to welcoming you to Hemsted Park for a Spring and Summer season filled with warmth, creativity and unforgettable live experiences.
Thank you
We’re proud to continue our valued partnership with Burfields House, our official season partner at Hemsted Park. Their ongoing support enables us to keep delivering the exciting, high-quality performances our audiences know and love. We’re delighted to be working together again this season.
Spring/Summer 2026
Meet our Partners
Founded by David Cole, Burfields House Wealth Management has been based in Goudhurst, Kent, since 2002. However, David’s family has been looking after the finances of local clients for many years before that, starting with his grandfather in 1921 and followed by his mother. He is very proud to share the same family philosophy of handing financial success on to the next generation.
Now with a highly qualified advisory team of seven and a long-established team of dedicated support staff, we take pride in delivering the best for our valued clients, providing high-quality bespoke advice to individuals, families, trustees and businesses and helping them to plan their financial future and security.
Client focus lies at the heart of everything we do and we thrive on building positive long-term relationships where we make a difference and clients take value in our honest, straightforward approach.
One very important aspect of our business is the work we do to help improve the welfare of others throughout the world and within the local community, with members of the team regularly participating in a variety of events to support and raise money for good causes.
Founded by David Cole and David Gridley, the Tongole Foundation is the Burfields House charity working to support local communities surrounding the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve in Malawi, Africa. It focuses on the areas of education and wildlife conservation to improve the standards of living for as many people as possible.
All the Burfields House team are actively involved in Tongole, whether it is volunteering to travel and help with building better classrooms and facilities or organising and taking part in fundraising events – from local raffles and bake sales to director Robin Quirt’s mammoth 2023 trek to Everest Base Camp.
www.burfieldshousewm.co.uk
Tongole Foundation
About Hemsted Park
We are an oustanding 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, a 750-seater concert hall, and the separate beautiful purpose-built 290 seat, Benenden Theatre.
Other spaces include The Bonnie Yeung-Tsang Recital Hall, The Georgiadis Studio 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.
As well as music, comedy, drama and dance productions, we are also available for hire for visiting schools, meetings, conferences, performances, training courses and many more corporate opportunities within our various spaces. This is alongside the various film and TV productions that are filmed here on site too.
Our venues effortlessly blend stunning historical surroundings with modern event spaces equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Bespoke catering and audio-visual services are available, as is accommodation for a select number of events.
For more information on hiring our facilities, please email info@hemstedpark.com or call 01580 236699
Scummy Mummies: Hot Mess
Friday 13 March
Theatre 7.30pm
From £24.00
“Very Funny” The Guardian
“Highly recommended!” One4Review
“Hilarious” Broadway Baby
MUMS’ NIGHT OUT! Helen and Ellie are BACK with a brand new comedy show that will have you laughing till you cry. From menopause to mansplaining, teenagers to Tinder, no subject is safe. Featuring brand new songs, sketches, stand-up and of course, sparkly new catsuits. Bring your mates, bring your mum, bring your partner if they’re feeling brave enough... It’s a big Scummy party!
Running time: Approx 2 hours including interval 18+ and no babies in arms.
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club presents:
Miles Davis at 100
Featuring James Pearson & Friends
Friday 27 March Centenary Hall 7.30pm From £27.00
Direct from London’s internationally acclaimed music venue, pianist, composer and Ronnie Scott’s artistic director, James Pearson, is joined by trumpeter Freddie Gavita, and an all-star band, to celebrate the 100th birthday of perhaps the most iconic and revolutionary figures in jazz history: Miles Davis.
This unique musical celebration explores the entire spectrum of Miles Davis’s music. From 1944 and his time with Charlie Parker’s band, through to his seminal ‘A Kind of Blue’, and on to his work and compositions of the 1980s, by which point he had become a global superstar.
Running time: Approx 2 hours including interval
The concert will feature music from classic albums such as ‘Birth of the Cool’, ‘A Kind of Blue’, ‘Sketches of Spain’, ‘Milestones’ and ‘In a Silent Way’ – as well as a sparkling selection of Miles’s lesser-known musical gems! Expect a truly worldclass evening of music, accompanied by stories and anecdotes, honouring this towering figure in music.
Sleeping Beauty
The
Ballet
Sunday 19 April
Theatre 3.00pm
From £10.00
The Let’s All Dance Ballet Company is delighted to return with this much-loved ballet for the whole family. Dazzling dancers, Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score and gorgeous costumes bring this glittering classical ballet to life.
A good fairy turned evil by jealousy casts a bad spell on a young princess. But an act of pure love will undo her magic, restoring her heart and bringing peace and harmony to the whole kingdom.
From the company who brought you Alice in Wonderland, The Nutcracker, Cinderella and many more, this shortened classic introduces children to the wonder and magic of live dance. The Let’s All Dance Ballet Company creates character and narrative led stories, enthralling boys and girls from start to finish and are loved by all ages.
Photo opportunity with the dancers on stage after every show!
Suitable for: perfect for the whole family, especially 2-14 year olds, including those with additional needs.
Running time: Approx 50 minutes
“Absolutely loved it!”
“An absolutely beautiful and magical performance”
“A superb introduction to ballet. It was my little girl’s fifth birthday and it was the perfect way to celebrate and with a chance to meet and get a photo with the dancers”
VOCES8: Give Me Your Stars
Friday 24 April
Centenary Hall 7.30pm
From £15.00
The 2023 Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8 is the world’s top-streaming classical vocal group and proud to inspire people through music and share the joy of singing. Touring globally, the group performs an extensive repertoire both in its a cappella concerts and in collaborations with leading musicians, orchestras and conductors. Versatility and a celebration of diverse musical expression are central to the ensemble’s performance and education ethos which is shared both online and in person. VOCES8 is the flagship ensemble of the VOCES8 Foundation which actively promotes ‘Music Education For All’, reaching up to 40,000 people annually.
VOCES8 has performed at many notable venues from Wigmore Hall to Sydney Opera House. This season they perform more than 100 concerts globally. Online the VOCES8 Digital Academy and the LIVE From London digital festival continue. They publish music and educational material with VOCES8 Publishing, E.C. Schirmer and Edition Peters , including The VOCES8 Method written by Paul Smith. Taylor Scott Davis is Composer-in-Residence with Jim Clements as Arrangerin-Residence. Their new album is “TWENTY”, joining previous releases “Nightfall”, “A Choral Christmas”, Christopher Tin’s “The Lost Birds” (a Grammy-Award nominee), “Home” conducted by Eric Whitacre, and featuring “The Sacred Veil” and “Seven Psalms” by Paul Simon
Running time: Approx 1 hour 20 minutes
“Helen
Mirren makes The Audience a right-royal night out.’”
The Independent
The Audience
by Peter Morgan directed by Stephen Daldry
Sunday 26 April
Theatre 3.00pm
From £13.00
Returning to cinemas for the first time in over a decade, Helen Mirren plays Queen Elizabeth II in the Olivier and Tony Award® -winning hit production, directed by Stephen Daldry.
For 60 years, Queen Elizabeth II met with each of her 12 prime ministers in a private weekly meeting. This meeting is known as The Audience. From Winston Churchill to Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron, the Queen advised her prime ministers on matters both public and personal. Through these private audiences, we see glimpses of the woman behind the crown and witness the moments that shaped a monarch.
Peter Morgan’s Netflix phenomenon The Crown was based on this hit play that was captured live from London’s West End in 2013 and went on to become one of the most-watched NT Live productions.
Running time: Approx 3 hours including interval
Saturday 2 May
Theatre 7.30pm
From £13.00
Over the years the Bull at Benenden has supported some outstanding upand-upcoming local musicians during open mic nights, Sunday sessions and some extra special jam nights. Now, they are collaborating with Hemsted Park to showcase some of these exceptional young musicians in a state-of-the-art theatre nestled in the heart of Kent.
This unique evening will comprise of four acts performing original music with one curated cover song.
Running time: Approx 2 hours 30 minutes
Going Postal
Going Postal are a four-piece rock band from Tonbridge, who mix blues grit with heavy rock energy. Their sound is full of driving riffs, shredding solos and a raw edge that keeps audiences guessing.
Playing live is where they’re most at home, often adding a bit of improv to keep things fresh and keep the crowd rocking
The Bull at Benenden The Bull at
Camber
Camber have a cheeky charm, raw energy and indie rock sound. The boys have deep lyrics, vocals, skilled bass, drums put together with an easy chemistry and a compelling edge.
Music Club on Tour 2026
“An opportunity to experience rising stars in an intimate live setting.”
Michael Bird
Michael Bird will be bringing his soulful folk and jazz infused music. Navigating songwriting with thoughtfulness and honesty, Michael Bird takes a detailed approach to composition. From the underlying harmony to the textures in each note, he beckons for the listener’s full attention.
Primrose
Primrose – with her captivating, soulful, moody sound – will be showcasing some of her new music fully backed up with her experienced session band. Primrose is an exceptionally talented young singer/ songwriter with showstopping stage presence. Her performances reveal a rare, magnetic charm that captivates every crowd, with lyrics expressing deep emotions and bewitching storytelling, encompassing the genres of R&B, Jazz and Soul.
Benenden
Alex McAleer Mind Reader
Saturday 9 May Theatre 7.00pm
From £15.00
A standout performer who has captivated packed houses at the Edinburgh Fringe, earned award nominations for sell-out shows in Australia and toured extensively across North America and the UK with the acclaimed Champions of Magic, Alex McAleer has become known for his unique blend of humour, charisma and mind-boggling feats of mentalism.
In this unforgettable show, Alex performs unbelievable demonstrations of his psychological skill, combining mind-blowing moments with sharp wit, making it interactive, engaging and laugh out loud funny. Alex reveals audience members’ innermost thoughts with uncanny accuracy, demonstrates why you should never challenge a mind reader to a game of cards and showcases his incredible people-reading skills, leaving you wondering if he knows you better than you know yourself.
Running time: Approx 1 hour 45 minutes including interval
“A master of the mind... Cheeky, and witty. Working the crowd like a conductor’”
The West Australian
“McAleer has made a career of those you’ve-got-to-be-kiddingme moments”
The Boston Globe
“Mind-blowing... He was able to tap into audience members’ minds and read their thoughts at will” Broadway
Sinatra Jukebox
Saturday 30 May
Centenary Hall 7.00pm
From £23.00
Star of the West End’s ‘Rat Pack’ Gary Williams has no idea what he’s doing. Only the audience know what’s coming next and Gary waits for their command. Welcome to ‘Sinatra Jukebox’, a show full of surprises as Gary performs whatever the audience requests from 100 of Ol’ Blue Eyes’ best loved hits. Described by The Times as “One of the best voices Britain has ever produced”. Williams has performed all over the world including Los Angeles, Tokyo, Melbourne and Sinatra’s original Palm Springs home.
Gary is joined by Harry the Piano, who plays absolutely anything on
piano (“Staggering virtuosity” The Sunday Times, “An uncanny ability” The Independent), has YouTube hits of more than three million and is known for playing any tune in any style upon request (“The best damn pianist in the civilised world” Jonathan Ross).
Sharpen your pencils and catch Gary Williams and Harry the Piano, your very own walking, talking Sinatra Jukebox. Remember, if you don’t like this show, you’ve only got yourself to blame!
Running time: Approx 2 hours, 20 minutes including interval
An Evening with Joe Swift
Saturday 6 June
Centenary Hall 7.00pm
From £25.00
Joe has been gardening since he left school and is a fully trained garden designer. He has been one of the main presenters on BBC2’s flagship gardening show ‘Gardeners World’ since 1998 and also regularly appears in the BBC’s coverage of RHS Chelsea, Hampton Court, Gardeners World Live and Tatton Park Flower shows. Over the years Joe has fronted Open Gardens, Small Town Gardens, Garden Makers and Garden Invaders. He appeared on Celebrity Masterchef and many other programmes as a guest. Joe has designed many gardens for TV, including one for Comic Relief, many for Gardeners World and all of the Alan Titchmarsh’s ‘How to be a Gardener 2’ series.
Joes writing includes a regular column in The Times Weekend section, Gardeners World Magazine and various other magazine articles. He has written three books –‘The Plant Room’, and ‘Joe’s Urban Garden Handbook’ and ‘Joe’s Allotment’.
Joe is Patron to many gardening charities including The Horniman Museum and The Harington Scheme.
Running time: Approx 1 hour, no interval
Free Concerts for All
Hemsted Park is once again delighted to invite you to attend the following free events and concerts which are part of the Benenden School calendar
Friday 20 March | 1.30pm Lunchtime Concert
Given by Benenden’s Upper Sixth Music Scholars
Wednesday 29 April | 7.30pm Spring Concert featuring Benenden’s choirs and ensembles
Enquiries about any of the free events should be directed to music@benenden.school
Book seats at www.hemstedpark.com
The Wealden Hub Music Scholars
Bringing Musical Excellence to Our Community
We are excited to introduce The Wealden Hub Music Scholars, a new initiative in partnership with Hemsted Park. We are keen to support musically talented students (Year 4 and upwards) in our local area, providing them with valuable opportunities to engage in live musical performance.
Through the Music Scholars programme, participants will receive free admission to selected Hemsted Park events and have the chance to take part in musical events at Benenden School.
For more details contact Nick Rendall , Director of Partnerships, Benenden School (nmr@benenden.school)
Len Phillips Swing Orchestra
Friday 19 June
Centenary Hall 7:00pm
From £27.00
‘At the Movies…’
Celebrating the golden age of movies through the works of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and George Gershwin, Britain’s most popular big band is back with the soundtracks of James Bond, Disney and MGM.
With stunning vocals from three of the countries most respected Big Band vocalists Matt Ford, Julia Sullivan and Musical Director Georgina Jackson. Expect an evening of the highest quality arrangements, musicianship and entertainment.
Running time: Approx 2 hours, 20 minutes including interval
Useful Information
Location
All of our event spaces at Hemsted Park are nestled in the heart of Kent, within the 250 acres of the beautiful Benenden School site. Surrounded by stunning countryside, we offer a unique setting for arts and performance — and we’re also within easy reach of London, with the capital less than an hour away by train from nearby Staplehurst Station
We are located in a village that observes a dark skies policy, so our site can be quite dark on winter evenings. While there will be some lighting and marshals to guide you, you may find it helpful to bring a torch.
We are a no-smoking or vaping site.
Address
Hemsted Park, Benenden School, Cranbrook Road, Kent, TN17 4AA
Parking
We have free on-site parking for audiences. On arrival at Benenden School, please follow the main drive where parking marshals will direct you to available spaces.
Parking locations are spread around the site and therefore will sometimes mean a few minutes’ walk from your parking location to the venue.
Wherever possible, we prioritise our most accessible parking for those who need it. If you have mobility issues and require accessible parking, please speak to a marshal on arrival.
Bars & Hospitality
We offer a purpose-built bar in the Jat Atrium of the Centenary Buildings, available for all performances held in the Centenary Hall, Recital Hall, or Rose Garden. For events in the Benenden Theatre, a pop-up bar is located in the theatre lobby.
Our bar opens one hour before each performance and serves a varied selection of snacks, as well as alcoholic and nonalcoholic refreshments.
Please note:
We are a nut-free site.
Hemsted Park operates as a card-only venue
We kindly ask that no hot food or takeaway items are brought onto the premises.
Access
All of our venues have step-free access, accessible parking and a unisex accessible toilet.
Hemsted Park proudly supports an Access Membership Scheme, offering free companion tickets for individuals with health conditions or disabilities who require a carer to attend with them.
If you would like to sign up, please send proof of eligibility to: info@hemstedpark.com
This can be evidence that you are in receipt of a disability allowance (for example: PIP, DLA or attendance allowance). Once you have signed up, access tickets are bookable over the phone. You must have a confirmed access membership to be able to book access tickets.
KEY
A Arrival from Benenden Village
B Exit | C Centenary Hall & Recital Hall
D Theatre P Parking
