'Gods & Dogs'

This new comic dystopian allegory is set in 2084 on the fictitious island of Abatina in a world where people are either glamorous celebrities or slobbering dog-like followers of them gripped to their telepafones – with the exception of the Nevnops (Not Very Nice People) as the President, Big Al, calls them.

The story follows Tina who enters ‘Marriage Maker’, a ‘telepavision’ gameshow. The idea of the game is if you win you get to marry the super-glamorous footballer, Harry Best, on the Saturday, have a weekend of love, then divorce him on the Monday. ‘All the fun & no ties!’ as the compere, Rich Nobb, puts it. Unfortunately, Tina makes the mistake of falling in love when she wins & doesn’t want to divorce. Doreen, her best friend, has her own opinion, but then she might be a Nevnop & the Mind Police might get to her first & send her to the wolves on the ‘Other Side’ - a dangerous world over ‘the mountain’ where the inhabitants of Abatina, according to Big Al, must not go, with dangerous free-thinkers & wolves that might get them.

The Rude Mechanicals create exquisite theatre - if you have not seen them before, book now for their only performance in the South West this summer.

If you have seen them before - you will already have booked!

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Open-Air Theatre Festival:

Seating:

• No seating is provided. Please bring low-back seating and/or blankets,
• An area for people on blankets is reserved at the front.  
• If you wish to be socially distanced please sit towards the rear or sides of the audience area
• Performances start at the stated time so please arrive in good time to take your seats

Tickets:

• Disabled people are welcome to a free ticket for their carer/assistant. Please call the box office on 01805 624624
• Every 11th ticket is free for group bookings. Available via the box office on 01805 624624
• Tickets, if not sold out, are also available on the gate (cash only).
• Ticket holders enjoy free access to the gardens two hours before 7pm performances

and one hour before earlier performances. (Or earlier for pre-show drama workshop ticket holders)

• Most performances last approx 2 hours with a 20 minute interval
• Minimum ages are advisory only. Please use your discretion.

Refreshments:

• Please support the high quality onsite catering/bar facilities that are available at most venues
• Check with the individual venue for more details.
• Hartland Abbey: Pimm’s Bar and Barbecue
• Castle Hill Filleigh: Tea/coffee sandwiches & cakes etc
• Tapeley Park: Hot & cold food and bar                                            
• Arlington Court (NT): Hot & cold food and bar                   
• Clovelly Court Park: Soft drinks available.                           
• Blackberry Farm Milton Damerel:     Hot & cold food and bar
• RHS Garden Rosemoor Hot & cold food and bar, ice creams and picnic bags                    
• Castle Hill Gardens, Torrington: Hot & cold food and bar   
• Tawstock Court, Barnstaple: Hot & cold food and bar                                                                                
• The Lodge, Eggesford: Bar and Barbecue     
• Castle Drogo (NT): Please bring your own picnics/drinks    
• Lapford Mill, Crediton: Please bring your own picnics and use the bar provided (located on 2nd floor of the mill)                              
• Brushford Barton: Please bring your own picnics and use the bar provided

Weather:

• Performances continue regardless of the weather. Be prepared.
• There are no indoor alternatives in case of bad weather.
• In the event of electrical storm, tickets will be exchanged for another date.
• The following may be useful: A torch, insect repellent, an umbrella (or sunshade!)

Dogs:

• Well behaved dogs are welcome at most venues. Check with the venue.

(RHS Garden Rosemoor, Castle Drogo (NT): Assistance dogs only.)

Access:

• Most venues have level access, adjacent parking and accessible toilet facilities. For specific access information please call the box office on 01805 624624 or contact the individual venue via their website.
• There will be a £12.00 charge at Brushford  Barton for each vehicle to cover use of grounds for picnicking, parking and toilet facilities, etc. Payable on arrival by card/cash.

Other Info:

• Please bring cash for a raffle to support The Plough Arts Centre. £1 per ticket. One winner takes half the proceeds!
• We will adhere to any covid restrictions that apply during the period of the open air theatre festival