The Dukes Theatre Homegrown Productions
The Dukes is renowned for its commitment to original creativity through its homegrown productions. These are shows developed almost entirely by the theatre's own internal team, blending new scripts with existing works to create unique experiences for their audiences.
Key Facts
- Produces two primary homegrown shows annually: a "Park" show and a Christmas production.
- The Play in the Park is considered the largest outdoor promenade theatre event in the UK.
- Over 500,000 people have attended a Dukes Park Show since its inception.
- The 2016 production of The Hobbit won the UK Theatre Award for Best Show for Children and Young People.
The Play in the Park
Launched in 1987, the Play in the Park is an annual open-air, walkabout theatre event—a style of performance where the audience moves with the actors through the setting—held every summer in Williamson Park. The tradition began on June 24 with a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, envisioned by then Theatre Administrator John Stalker and Artistic Director Johnathan Petherbridge.
The inaugural show featured Andy Serkis, who now serves as an honorary patron of the theatre. Over the decades, this series has grown into a massive success, attracting more than half a million spectators and earning critical acclaim, including a prestigious UK Theatre Award for its 2016 staging of The Hobbit.
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Christmas Productions
Every year, The Dukes stages a festive production that typically takes place in "The Round," though "The Rake" stage has been utilized in the past. While these shows maintain elements of audience participation, they often deviate from the traditional pantomime formula to offer something more distinct.
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Sarah Punshon, recent Christmas shows have enhanced their auditory experience by incorporating original music composed by The Baghdaddies.
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Community-Focused and Other Works
Beyond the two main annual pillars, The Dukes continues to produce additional homegrown content designed to resonate deeply with the local community. A primary example is the 2017 production Blackout, which explored the impact of Storm Desmond on the Morecambe and Lancaster areas.
| Production Type | Primary Venue | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Play in the Park | Williamson Park | Outdoor promenade theatre; summer schedule. |
| Christmas Production | The Round / The Rake | Non-traditional pantomime; original music. |
| Community Shows | Various | Strong local connections (e.g., Blackout). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "homegrown production" at The Dukes?
A homegrown production is a show created almost entirely by the internal team at The Dukes theatre, featuring either new or existing works.
What makes the Play in the Park unique?
It is an open-air, walkabout (promenade) theatre event and is believed to be the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom.
Who was involved in the first Play in the Park?
The first production, A Midsummer Night's Dream, was created by Johnathan Petherbridge and John Stalker, and featured actor Andy Serkis.
How do the Christmas productions differ from standard pantomimes?
While they keep some audience participation, they generally vary from the usual pantomime formula and have recently featured original music by The Baghdaddies.
Has The Dukes won any awards for its productions?
Yes, the 2016 production of The Hobbit won the UK Theatre Award for Best Show for Children and Young People.