This summer, Our Teacher’s a Troll by Tony Award-winning writer Dennis Kelly (Matilda the Musical), will transform the picturesque ruins of Lesnes Abbey into an open-air theatre.
Terrible twins, Sean and Holly, have a talent for turmoil. They rule their school with terror and tyranny. That is, until the arrival of a new headteacher with scaly skin, gnarly fangs and a spiky tail! Can the twins save the school from the child-eating troll? Can naughtiness prevail? Ruined Theatre’s hilarious family production brings quirky puppetry to the ruins of the 12th Century abbey, one of London’s truly hidden treasures.
The cast for Our Teacher’s a Troll will include Lilly Driscoll (Cardboard Citizens; Jekyll & Hyde, ITV), Louis Gaudenico (Fiver, Southwark Playhouse; Call the Midwife, BBC), Andy Watkins (Kinky Boots, UK tour; Brexit the Musical, Edinburgh Festival) and Joanne Ferguson (The Play That Goes Wrong, West End; Emmerdale, ITV). And it’s directed by Ruined Theatre’s artistic director and West End actress Nancy Sullivan (Les Misérables; Call the Midwife).
Outdoor theatre at Lesnes Abbey
The Ruined Theatre Company are aiming to make arts more accessible to the local community by staging the play at the abbey ruins. There are discounted tickets available to local residents and school pupils. Plus, they are partnering with the Peabody Housing Association to ensure that families in financial hardship in the area have access to free tickets. Working with Bexley Council, the theatre company are currently fundraising with the hope of becoming a permanent summer fixture at Lesnes Abbey Ruins, offering extensive local outreach programmes and top-class productions.
Tickets for Our Teacher’s a Troll are non-refundable unless the show is cancelled. The production will take place in the open air to make it as COVID-19 safe as possible, but do keep an eye on the weather forecast and dress for the British summer!
If you fancy exploring the park and woods around Lesnes Abbey whilst you’re in the area, there’s plenty to see. There’s a variety of trees, nature-rich heathland and landscaped gardens, as well as six wood sculptures to discover. There’s even an app you can download to guide you around.
Looking for more outdoor theatre? Head over here!
When: 12th – 22nd August 2021
Where: Lesnes Abbey Ruins, Abbey Road, Belvedere DA17 5DH
£: Tickets cost £5 – £15 and the play’s suitable for ages 5 and over
More info: www.theruinedtheatre.com