It's hard to beat Rutland's enthusiasm for creativity and splendour...

Performances

Theatre-goers are in for a treat when visiting Rutland, with top class performances in fabulous settings.

Tolethorpe Hall, Rutland’s open-air theatre is home to Stamford Shakespeare Company, who purchased the Hall in 1977 and staged their first play in May of the same year.  Since then, Tolethorpe Hall has grown to become an internationally respected open air theatre, with a dedicated following.  An exciting program of performances are staged throughout the year and never cancelled due to the weather - the actors are exposed to the elements but the audience is seated in a covered amphitheatre, adding to the exciting outdoor experience!  Performances take place from June to August. The 2017 season includes: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing and Harold Brighouse’s comedy ‘Hobson’s Choice’.  

Picnicking on the lawn prior to the performances is a popular way to enjoy the beautiful gardens and grand setting of this idyllic country house, which was built about 800 years ago.  Alternatively, you can enjoy a light meal in the well equipped on-site theatre restaurant.

Uppthearts is managed by Uppingham School and was developed to meet the needs of both the school and local community, as well as help the arts to reach out to a wider audience.  Part of the Uppthearts offering is Uppingham Theatre, where drama, music, children’s theatre, and poetry are performed throughout the year.

Music lovers are also well catered for at The Rutland Sinfonia, an amateur orchestra based in Oakham, but there is nothing ‘amateur’ about the quality of their performances. The aim of the sinfonia is to bring high quality, enjoyable and inspiring performances of orchestral music to smaller towns and villages in rural areas in and around Rutland, including Oakham School Chapel and St Peter's Church in nearby Oundle.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy performances from Music in Lyddington, who provide fine music in a regular series of high quality concerts, with an aim to encourage and inspire young musicians. The performances take place in St Andrew’s Church in Lyddington, next door to the Lyddington Bedehouse.  The tiny village of Lyddington is home to about 400 people with the church being first mentioned in about 1163.  However, the oldest parts of the church remaining today date back to the 14th century.  You can still see the six acoustic jars that were set into the walls of the chancel. These were said to improve the overall acoustics of the church and allow the congregation to hear the clergy better.

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Art Galleries

Visitors looking to enjoy some stunning art during their stay will be spoilt for choice with a variety of galleries & displays open to the public. The Victoria Hall, a Victorian Grade II listed building, on Oakham High Street, has regular exhibitions of local art, along with craft shows, theatrical productions and much more.

Uppingham is well known for the extensive range of art galleries and antiques shops including Goldmark Gallery and Orange Street Gallery. It’s an excellent location to indulge your love of art and enjoying browsing a wide collection of arts and crafts.

Goldmark Gallery  | Garners - Fine Art, Antiques & Interiors  | Old House Gallery | Orange Street Gallery | Samuel Robson Fine Art | Woodbine Contemporary Arts:  

Arts for Rutland

Arts for Rutland is a registered charity whose work is committed to leading, promoting and supporting the arts in Rutland. You can find out about the huge number of events and performances within Rutland that include, film, theatre, music, comedy, dance, visual arts and creative writing.

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Festivals

Rutland hosts its very own festival of the arts every year and it's popularity increases with every season. The Rutland Festival Fortnight includes the Oakham Festival and Uppingham Fringe, both offer a celebration of a wide variety of theatre, dance, poetry, visual arts, music and comedy.  Top class performances take place at venues around the county including Oakham School, Uppingham Theatre and even local pubs. For more information visit the Rutland Festival Fortnight website.