Canons Ashby House stages a little show with big ambition

The Pantaloons are bringing their adaptation of literary classic Gulliver’s Travels to the stately home as part of a UK tour over the summer.

The innovative version of Jonathan Swift’s much loved novel will be played out in the open air on Saturday July 30 and is designed for the entire family.

Join Lemuel Gulliver on a fantastical and hilarious voyage into the unknown.

Meet the tiny people of Lilliput and the giants of Brobdingnag. Visit the flying island of Laputa and a country peopled (or horsed?) entirely by talking horses…

This is a brand-new, adventurous and hilarious adaptation of Jonathan Swift’s classic satirical story loved by adults and children alike.

The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons began life ten years ago as an open-air theatre company, busking plays for donations in parks and on the streets.

It was during this time where they developed an attention-grabbing, interactive and playful performance style.

“We characterise our work as post-modern folk theatre,” says Mark Hayward, writer of the new adaptation.

He added: “We take well-loved tales and give them a contemporary twist, making them accessible for new audiences and showing seasoned fans something that they perhaps had not seen in them before.

“We also like to give ourselves a challenge.

“With all the fantastical elements Gulliver’s Travels is almost impossible to stage.

“Which is why this new production is partly a faithful literary adaptation, partly a sketch comedy and party a play about how difficult it is to put the book on stage!”

The Pantaloons have picked up plenty of loyal followers and a lot of critical acclaim.

They have quickly become one of the country’s most prolific touring companies – and even they’re not entirely sure how and when that happened.

One thing they are sure of is that, according to Hayward, “The Pantaloons production of Gulliver’s Travels is literally going to be huge amounts of fun.”

It will be return for the company who have consistently performed at Canons Ashby House over the past five years.

Families are also encouraged to bring a picnic along with them to enjoy before the show with the entertainment starting at 6pm.

Tickets for the show are £15 for adults and £10 for children or £40 for a family ticket suitable for four.

For further information about the event or to book tickets in advance for the show call 01327 861 900 or alternatively visit www.thepantaloons.co.uk.