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Comedy, drama and action set against the tranquil backdrop of Norwich's varied parkland - the perfect way to experience some of the best open-air theatre you'll see in Norfolk.

Organised by Norwich City Council and local theatre companies, the series offers something for all the family with its mix of amateur and professional productions.

The programme for 2004 includes fairy tale fun with Baron Bolligrew and stories from the Caribbean, to The Street, the latest work by Crude Apache.

Jo Edye is the play's director.

"The Street was inspired by Crude Apache's previously successful local history shows," he said.

"We've already done Kett's Rebellion, Billie Bluelight and the Norman takeover of Anglo-Saxon Norwich. These proved popular with audiences.

"I always thought Argyle Street, Norwich's infamous squat of the early 80's, would make a great story and it is interesting telling a slightly more contemporary piece of history," he added.

Read review of The Street

Theatre in the Parks started in 1991 when the local university theatre group put on two plays in the city parks.

More than 10 years later, the event is now a highly successful outdoor theatre festival and an important cultural event in the city's summer events calendar.

Norwich City Council's Event Manager, Helen Selleck said: "It is a joint project between Norwich City Council and local theatre companies.

"Performances are free to allow greater access to live theatre. This approach has encouraged new and large audiences and a strong following has developed over the years," she added.

Programme of events

The Street by Crude Apache Inspired by the story of Argyle Street, Norwich's infamous squat of the early 80's, The Street is a tale of love, death and demolition. The production is not suitable for young children. Running time: 90 mins with a 10 minute interval
Date	Time	Venue
16 & 17 July	7.30pm	Castle Gardens
18 July	3pm	Cow Tower
22 July	7.30m	Southgate Lane Park
23 July	7.30pm	York Tavern, York Street
24 July	7.30pm	The Cock PH, Barford
25 July	5pm	Nelson Pub, Nelson St

The Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew by Something Wicked Theatre Company Gallant knights, dragons and magical capers - can Sir Oblong defeat the dreaded Baron and will he look good in purple? Fairy tale fun for all ages. Running time: 60 mins
Date	Time	Venue
28 July	7.30pm	Waterloo Park
29 July	7.30pm	Heigham Park
30 & 31 July	7.30pm	Castle Gardens
1 Aug	3pm	Cow Tower

Men, Women, Life, Love Storytelling by Jan Blake Stories from Africa, the Caribbean and beyond Running time: 60 mins not suitable for the under 12s
Date	Time	Venue
5 Aug	7.30pm	Heigham Park
6 Aug	7.30pm	Waterloo Park
7 Aug	7.30pm	Cow Tower

In addition to the Theatre In The Parks series, the Marsh Children's Outdoor Theatre Festival will be providing free theatre for children through the summer holidays.

Wind In The Willows by Rainbow Theatre Share in the adventures of Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger. Become part of the Riverbank in this show where you become the stars. Suitable for ages 7+
Date	Time	Venue
24 July	3pm	Castle Gardens
25 July	11am	Eaton Park
25 July	3pm	Heigham Park

Johnny Thunder & The Trousers of Destiny by The New Wolsey Theatre Johnny lives in a small street in a small town and is wearing some very important new trousers. Suitable for ages 5+
Date	Time	Venue
31 July	3pm	Castle Gardens
1 Aug	11am	Eaton Park
1 Aug	3pm	Heigham Park

Another Fine Mess by Foolhardy Folk Clown Troupe Off the wall, slapstick and comic antics from the 'Slappers of Mastik'. Suitable for all ages
Date	Time	Venue
31 July	3pm	Castle Gardens
1 Aug	11am	Eaton Park
1 Aug	3pm	Heigham Park

Cabin Fever by Bell & Bullock Circus Theatre Join Captain Bullock and Bosun Bell for maritime mayhem, mirth and magic. Suitable for family audience
Date	Time	Venue
14 Aug	3pm	Castle Gardens
15 Aug	11am	Eaton Park
15 Aug	3pm	Heigham Park

Magic Circus by Magic Carpet Theatre Theatre The magical ringmaster has planned a show, but the acts have disappeared and the clowns have taken over! Suitable for ages 4-11 years
Date	Time	Venue
21 Aug	3pm	Castle Gardens
22 Aug	11am	Eaton Park
22 Aug	3pm	Heigham Park

Three Billy Goats Gruff and other tales by Theatre of Widdershins Suitable for ages 3+
Date	Time	Venue
28 Aug	3pm	Castle Gardens
29 Aug	11am	Eaton Park
29 Aug	3pm	Heigham Park

If you're looking for more ideas for the kid's over the summer holidays, visit our kids' section.

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