Upcoming Events

Free Concerts for All

A chance to hear one of the most exciting UK-based organists. Born and educated in Canada, Rachel combines a busy international performing career with the post of Director of Music at Coventry Cathedral.

Her programme will include music by Bach, Mendelssohn and Percy Whitlock.

Enquiries about any of the free events should be directed to music@benenden.school.

Running time: 45 min approx.

Free Concerts for All

The ensembles and choirs of Benenden School present a wide range of music in their last major concert of the year.

Enquiries about any of the free events should be directed to music@benenden.school.

Running time: 60 min approx.

Entertainers presents

Thank You For The Music – The Ultimate Tribute To ABBA

Calling all Dancing Queens, this is your night to say, Thank you for the Music!
This international smash-hit tribute show brings all ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other. The hugely popular show, now in its 21st year, with a brand-new show for 2024 combines the unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes, and dazzling performances by our all-star cast.

Join us for the party of the year, you can dance, you can jive, and have the time of your life as we bring you all the hits, including Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Mamma Mia, Knowing Me, Knowing You, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, The Winner Takes It All and many many more!

Thank you for the Music! For without a song or a dance what are we! Touring the nation. Tickets on sale now!

This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows.

Promoter reserves the right to alter the programme.

Running time: Approx. 2h30min (including interval).
 

National Theatre Live 2025

Cinema screening 

The Importance of being Earnest 
by Oscar Wilde 
directed by Max Webster

Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who; Sex Education) in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy.

While assuming the role of a dutiful guardian in the country, Jack lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy adopts a similar facade. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate.

Max Webster (Life of Pi) directs this hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance, filmed live from the National Theatre in London.

Running time approx 3H (Including interval)

Certificate 12A

The nation’s favourite sitcom returns! The boys are delighted to head to Hemsted Park Theatre with three new episodes.

Two actors, two microphones, over twenty-five characters - and lots of sound effects! Dad’s Army Radio Show bring’s Perry and Croft’s classic BBC comedy to life in this highly acclaimed stage production.

Three episodes of the popular sitcom - adapted for radio for the very first time - are hilariously and lovingly enacted on stage by two master performers - complete with sound effects, vintage music and all your favourite Perry and Croft characters and catchphrases.

The original television episodes newly minted for The Dad’s Army Radio Show national tour 2024 are:
 

• The Love of Three Oranges
• The Miser’s Hoard
• The Making of Private Pike

As seen on Dad's Army: The Animations (UKTV Gold), David Benson (Goodnight Sweetheart and One Man, Two Guvnors) and Jack Lane (Wisdom of a Fool and 7 Days) will transport you right back to Walmington.
 

Join us for a special evening on 7th June at Hemsted Park, set within the stunning grounds of Benenden School, as we welcome the renowned Chapel Down Estate for an exclusive wine tasting event.

Your ticket includes a welcome glass of fizz on arrival, a guided tasting of five exquisite still wines, and a beautifully presented grazing board featuring local meats and cheeses from Kent and East Sussex. To enhance the experience, the evening will also include performances of chamber music and songs by talented Benenden School musicians.

Chapel Down, England’s leading winemaker, is celebrated for its exceptional still & sparkling wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Garden of England. We are delighted to share their latest offerings with you in this picturesque setting.

The tasting will feature a selection of Chapel Down’s award-winning still wines, including Kit’s Coty Chardonnay, Bacchus, Rosé, and Pinot Noir, offering a true taste of the region. Please note that the exact selection may vary depending on availability.

If you find a favourite during the tasting, a selection of the wines sampled will be available for purchase at an exclusive guest-only price.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore some of England’s finest wines in a fantastic setting.

Chapel Down is England’s leading winemaker, known for producing exceptional sparkling wines from the Garden of England. With a mission to change the world’s view of English wine, their offerings are fresh, crisp, and award-winning.

Running time: 1h30 approx.

About the play

When two young heirs from feuding families in Verona fall suddenly and desperately in love, their only hope is to marry in secret. But the bad blood between their houses runs deep, and the star-crossed lovers soon find themselves forced to choose between their family loyalty or their love for each other. The tragedy that follows remains one of the world’s most enduring love stories. Join us as Chapterhouse Theatre Company brings Shakespeare’s beloved tragedy to open-air venues across the country this summer in timeless style.
 
About Chapterhouse

Chapterhouse Theatre Company produces critically acclaimed UK and international tours, specializing in Shakespeare, classic literature adaptations, and family shows. Originally founded in 1999 to tour outdoor Shakespeare productions, the company has grown and thrived over the years. 2024 marks the company’s 25th anniversary of touring theatre, celebrating a quarter-century of incredible shows, including outdoor theatre, music concerts, a yearly Christmas tour (including performances at The British Museum), and bi-annual theatre tours of China.
The company has performed at some of the UK and Ireland's most stunning historic venues, collaborating with The National Trust, English Heritage, as well as cathedrals and stately homes, to bring classic stories to life in the perfect setting. Chapterhouse strives to create unique experiences while continuing to bring joy to both new and returning audiences each year.


Running Time: Approx. 2 hours & 20 mins inc one interval.

Please note: This is an open air performance taking place in the beautiful setting of the Rose Gardens of Hemsted Park, overlooked by the stunning Centenary Hall.

Doors open at 3.30pm and the show starts at 5.00pm. Please bring your own picnic blankets or low-backed seating.

Generally all tickets are non-refundable and in the event of cancellation due to bad weather alternative arrangements shall be made.