When fashionable 18th century London society comes to take the waters in the spa-town of Bath, comic confusion, daring duels and romantic entanglements abound. 

At the centre of it all is heiress Lydia Languish, who is determined to elope with the penniless Ensign Beverly rather than marry the eligible Jack Absolute. 

Join us to enjoy the sparkling wit and whirlwind plot of The Rivals, a Restoration Comedy which has delighted audiences for over 250 years with its collection of comic characters, including the formidable Mrs Malaprop, a creation so famous for the way she mangles the English language that her name is now immortalised in the dictionary. 

This brand-new adaptation combines Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s masterpiece with Rain or Shine’s fast and furious comic flair. 

‘We were fortunate enough to watch the brilliant performance of ‘the Importance of being Earnest’ given by Rain or Shine at Cawley Hall, Herefordshire last night. I am an ex-English & drama teacher & inspector so I know the play well.

This is one of the best performances of ‘Earnest’ I’ve ever seen. Well done!👏👏 ’  Jackie  

‘Thank you, thank you, thank you for a perfect evening. It was just wonderful – so slick, so clever, so joyful. A complete and utter delight.’ Anita 

Running time 2 ½ hours with interval 

Uncovered Ticket (Bring your own seating)

£26.25

Uncovered Ticket (bring your own seating) & Afternoon Tea

£51.00

*Festival Friends & Hever Castle

Uncovered Ticket (bring your own seating) & Afternoon Tea

£46.55

*Hever Castle, Hever Golf and Wellbeing Club Members & Groups, over 20 tickets 

Uncovered Ticket (bring your own seating) & Afternoon Tea

£48.75

*Please contact the box office, we can reserve tickets for you while you organise your group.

Joint Theatre and Castle Garden entry

Uncovered Adult Ticket (bring your own seating) & Afternoon Tea

£67.70

Please Note: Ticket prices have remained at 2024 prices. We have however embedded the booking fee for the first time.

Two Sisters’ Theatre

Located on the Two Sister’s Lawn, our theatre has… 

One continuous roof, every auditorium seat is undercover and allocated. The roof section over the auditorium is transparent so you will be able to enjoy the full vista, as you watch The Stars on stage!  

We can close our walls for events outside the summer months. The walls are clear so you still feel you are in the beautiful garden just with protection from the weather.  

Please check our   access page for further information. 

The theatre bar will be open before the event and during the interval (if the show has one) for hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice cream. 

Afternoon Tea

We are delighted to be working with the newly all-in-house, Hever Castle catering team, offering our guests delicious menus that make use of the best local and UK produce available.

The menu can be viewed here. Please book your afternoon tea with your ticket purchase, which will be served in The Guthrie Pavilion once the performance finishes.

Afternoon tea bookings will be closed when the restaurant is full, or 1 week before the event. Please make sure you book afternoon tea with your tickets so you are not disappointed.

If you wish to inform the catering team of any dietary requirements, please email  catering@hevercastle.co .uk . Unfortunately, it may not be possible to cater for dietary requirements without reasonable advanced notice.

Catering for Hever Festival Friends.

Hever Castle Catering are offering a generous 10% discount off the cost of your, and your guests, pre-booked teas.

Hever Festival Theatre Friends Membership can be purchased with your tickets and starts from £29. With theatre and tea discounts a membership quickly pays for itself and you can share the discounts with your friends too!

Hever Castle and Golf Club members do not receive a discount on Pre-Theatre Suppers.