We’re all desperate to get back out and about and announcements of events coming up is beyond exciting. Tom Kerridge is returning to Henley and has pinned an outdoor event to the spring/summer calendar with The Alfresco Theatre at The Henley Showground on the Culden Faw Estate from 12th-16th May.

Following on from the success of their Drive & Dine events, the Pub in the Park team have had a revamp and ‘tadah’ The Alfresco Theatre ‘Drive-in-Tour’ is born. A mix of big screen movies, comedy gigs, live theatre and live music acts all served alongside gourmet dishes from some of the UK’s most exciting and well known chefs. Pull-up, pop the handbrake on, turn your car radio up to the max and enjoy your show from the safety and comfort of your own private patch.

Designed as an event for the times, ready for visitors to book now with confidence, the travelling theatre will kick off as a Covid-compliant drive-in experience, with the setup relaxing as lockdown rules relax; eventually allowing visitors to sit outside in their own private patch to enjoy the show.

At The Alfresco Theatre, foodie fanatics will be able to tuck into an exclusive menu lovingly crafted by some of the country’s top chefs, while sipping a selection of craft cocktails, beers or wine from the roaming bar. There will also be a selection of alcohol-free drinks for the designated drivers, so everyone can enjoy a great day or night out.  

Friday night at the Theatre will play host to Mark Watson’s Carpool Comedy Club.

Mark says: ‘I’m really excited that Carpool Comedy Club is back! We had a great time last year, bringing live comedy safely to the Drive & Dine tour, and we were overwhelmed both by the demand and by the response from audiences. This time round, there’ll be more from me and I’ve taken my pick of some of last year’s favourites and added some new big-hitters to the mix. I can’t wait to host what will be another memorable series of summer comedy nights’. 

Saturday night will see the return of live music as fun-loving spice girls tribute act SPICE will open for world-renowned Bjorn Again: The ABBA Show for the ultimate night of pop.   

Not forgetting the little ones too, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s incredibly popular The Gruffalo will be making a special appearance in the musical adaptation live on stage plus the Drive & Dine Cinema featuring a line-up of feelgood flicks.

Tickets go on general sale 9am Thursday 4th March. You can sign up for exclusive presale tickets on Wednesday 3rd March via their website SIGN-UP — THE ALFRESCO THEATRE

Adult tickets start from £18 for movies, £35 for comedy and music gigs, and £16 for Gruffalo tickets (ages 3+) – with each show being sold individually and are subject to transaction and booking fees.  

Mark Watsons Carpool Comedy Club (14+)

Featuring Mark Watson & Nish Kumar (+ support TBC)

Performances: 6.00pm and 9.00pm

£35pp + booking fee

Björn Again: The ABBA Show(Supported by SPICE)

Join us on Saturday when we’ll be staying firmly ‘out out’ and dancing the night away to Björn Again: The ABBA Show, with support from SPICE, the live Spice Girls tribute band! Its the ultimate 70’s vs. 90’s party!

Performances: 6.00pm and 9.00pm

£35pp + booking fee

The Gruffalo – Live on Stage!

Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. For everyone aged 3 and up.

Performances: 12.00pm and 2.30pm

£16pp + booking fee

Weds 12th May

Dirty Dancing – 7.30pm

Sat 15th May

The Greatest Showman: Sing-a-Long – 11.00am

Grease: Sing-a-Long 2.00pm

Sun 16th May

Jurassic Park – 5.00pm

Bohemian Rhapsody – 8.30pm