Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, adapted by Oliver Gray
Illyria brings Carlo Collodi's magical coming-of-age classic Pinocchio to Borde Hill's stunning Azalea Ring in a joyful, music-filled outdoor theatre performance perfect for all ages.
Since its publication in 1883, Pinocchio has become the third most translated book in the world, appearing in over 260 languages and never once going out of print. In this enchanting retelling, childless toymaker Geppetto carves a puppet from an ordinary piece of wood, unaware of the whirlwind of mischief he's about to release.
Longing for adventure, Pinocchio slips away in search of excitement, only to discover that dazzling attractions often hide unexpected dangers. When he finally returns home, hoping for sympathy, he instead learns that his challenges have only just begun. Running away hasn't helped. Lying won't help. To find the sense of belonging he yearns for, Pinocchio must transform from playful puppet to real boy.
Collodi's tale follows this journey of growth, much like useless green timber maturing into seasoned wood: shaped, strengthened, and ultimately transformed through trials of water and fire.
Join us for a vibrant, heart-warming outdoor experience where music, mischief, and magic weave together beneath the open sky.
Date and time:
7th June, 3:00pm - 4:45pm.
Cost:
Tickets: £16 per person (adults and children 3+) – tickets include Garden admission from 10am. Advance booking is required for this event.
Important info:
Tickets include entry to the Garden and Adventure Playground from 10am. Access to the performance area from 2.30pm. The performance begins at 3.00pm and finishes by 4.35pm. There will be a 20 minute interval. Recommended for ages 5+ (younger children also welcome).
| Season (7 June 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Sunday | 15:00 | - 16:50 |
A historical formal Garden, woodlands, lakes, parkland and adventure playground.
Event…
Located between Haywards Heath and Balcombe, the Ouse Valley Viaduct offers a dramatic…
Have a day out like no other at Wakehurst, Kew's wild botanic garden. With over 500 acres…
High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden is a beautiful, tranquil and historic garden of…
One of the great Gardens of the Sussex Weald with a collection of rare and beautiful…
The Priest House sits on the western edge of Ashdown Forest in the picturesque high Weald…
Find out why Sussex sparkling wine has been beating champagne in blind taste tests.…
Step back in time to the Steam Age by climbing aboard one of the lovingly preserved…
Hickstead is world famous for showjumping, and the British Jumping Derby Meeting remains…
Large garden centre with pet and aquatic franchises. Coffee shop serving home-cooked food.
Discover 40 miles of newly waymarked walking trails that criss-cross the mid-Sussex…
Located in South-East Crawley you can find us nestled in popular Tilgate Park. Go Ape…
A trip to the National Cat Centre, set in delightful woodland, is a memorable experience…
One of the finest gardens in Britain, Leonardslee will reopen to the public in March 2018…
A unique visitor attraction in a stunning oak-framed barn. Independent British artists,…