500-seat amphitheatre "grown from the earth" opens in the Cotswolds
A grassy amphitheatre has opened in the heart of the Cotswolds
Last updated 15th Jun 2022
A grassy amphitheatre, which has grown from the earth, has officially opened in Gloucestershire.
At Berrybank Park, in Oddington, the Amphitheatre is set among 12 acres of orchard and wildflower meadows, on the ancient wold between Stow, Moreton and Chipping Norton.
Sustainably built with the smallest carbon footprint possible, the space was skilfully sculpted from the ground.
It comprises five grass tiers with flat access to each, and deep enough for people to stretch out blankets and chairs.
Launching last night, the space is set to be home to a performing arts season this Summer, which promises to appeal to young and old.
Speaking to us on the day it opened, Director Judy Reaves told us the space has been created in memory of her mum Janet Cockell, who was local to the area and loved both the theatre and the Cotswolds, and who sadly passed away two years ago.
"Mum was a lover of the performing arts and very sadly she died in 2020.
"At that time, her husband and I were standing at the top of the hill here, and he suggested 'Why don't we do something in memory of your mum, why don't we create a venue here?'
"There's a natural slope going down this hill into the valley and (an amphitheatre) seemed right."
Alongside the Amphitheatre, an 18-meter diameter tent will host part of the performance programme, and in extreme weather will be an alternative venue to the Amphitheatre.
"We've tried to use things that we know have a proper provenance and history.
"The tent is made in Cornwall and designed in India by the parents of the owners of the company, even down to the produce in the bar and kitchen is locally sourced where possible."
From opera and West End music and theatre, to outdoor cinema and comedy nights, the team behind the project hopes it'll be a place where the community can gather and enjoy performing arts together.
In fact, the community has gotten involved with many volunteering to get it off the ground, and others will help run it.
"The community have been brilliant, they've jumped on board from the start. I've got the most incredible team of volunteers, and we really want them to take it on as their venue too.
"Their village picnic is being held here, along with a dog show which will be great fun!
"I really hope that schools and choirs and local drama companies will be able to use this space around the professional season and then it will be alive all the time.
"At the heart of it, it's a memory of Mum, knowing that she would have loved it."
You can find more information about the Amphitheatre and what shows are on, via their website.