Ben Hur - Show Information - Penlee Park Open Air Theatre

Picture
Photo of venue from https://www.facebook.com/PenleeParkOpenAirTheatre
CONTENT NOTES 
  • Swearing - Mild; one profane word ("bastard").
  • Nudity/ sexual content - None shown. Verbal references to rape. 
  • Violence - Strong (gladiatorial combat, whipping of galley slaves, the Crucifixion)
  • Loud sounds - Yes. Battle sounds, shouting, trumpets/alarms, crashes, sound effects of thunder, sea battle)
  • Strobe / flashing lights - Lightening storm effects at the Crucifixion
  • Any other content advisories- Some of the negative characters express anti-semitic opinions as part of their characters bias in the story. These opinions are clearly shown to be unacceptable/ negative character traits.
  • “If this show were a film what rating would it be?” - PG-12
  • Is there an interval?  -Yes
  • Running time? -  3 hours including interval
  • Is there a social/ political/ religious bias to the show?  - ​The play is set during the 1st Century Roman Empire, and is also affected by Biblical events taking place at the time. 
  • Do actors enter the audience area at any time?  - Yes. You may see actors enter or exit using the aisles in the auditorium. 
  • ​Is audience participation encouraged or not? Applause and cheers always welcome in the gladiatorial scenes. 
 PURCHASE TICKETS HERE SOON 
Please scroll down for full information on the show contents,
​planning your visit, venue/ show accessibility, and education resources. 
FREE EDUCATION PACK I  PRODUCTION BLOG  I  CAST & CREW LIST
​SYNOPSIS
Based on the classic 19th Century novel by Lew Wallace, 
Ben Hur is a meticulously crafted stage drama, packed with drama, action, and hope, set across the 1st Century Roman Empire. 

The story follows a young prince who is accused of attempted murder, sentenced to die as a galley slave, but survives, eventually returning to his homeland, to find that his mother and sister are missing.

​Despite exacting revenge against the Roman commander who destroyed his family, he finds no peace - until once again his life is changed by two family slaves whom he freed, and a man from Nazareth... 

As with all our shows, this production is suitable for audiences of all ages & backgrounds. We produce a free online education pack for students covering aspects of creating the production, a news blog, historical & cultural research, and more. We also provide full accessibility information for each performance on our website. 
​
GETTING TO THE SHOW & ABOUT YOUR VISIT
  • Nearest carpark: Wellfields Car Park website
  • Nearest Bus stop: Penzance bus & coach station
  • Local taxi:  Penzance Taxi: 01736 366366 / Anytime Taxi's Penzance: 01736 888888
  • Do any of the seats have a restricted view?  No
  • ​Are interval refreshments available? Yes 
  • When is the interval? In approximately the middle of the show. In rehearsals, we will time this more precisely during rehearsals for you. 
  • Is there merchandise from the show available to buy? ​Printed prgrammes for the show will be available to buy for a small cost. 
  • Does the venue have a dress code? No. 
  • View a 360* video of the venue  Coming soon!
​ACCESSIBILITY​
This is a third-party venue, run by the volunteers of Penlee Park Open Air Theatre.  We are providing as much information as is possible, but if you have additional questions about accessing the venue, please contact Penlee Park Open Air Theatre directly on WEBSITE,  EMAIL, or phone 07816 285367. 

  • VENUE NOTE: This is an open-air venue, and performances run regardless of weather. Although it is a June evening, please remember to bring any relevant extra clothing for the evening. 
  • Are there "relaxed" performances? No, we have a single performance only at this venue
  • Are booster seats available? No 
  • Are there captioned or signed performances? No
  • ​Are there toilets available?​ Yes, toilets are available close by along a short path to the side of the venue. 
  • Are service dogs welcome? ​Yes
  • Is there space for wheelchairs? Yes, please contact the theatre venue directly on 07816 285367 ahead of time to reserve space.
  • What is access to the auditorium like? The auditorium is an open space with chairs set up around the stage. It is accessed from Penlee Gardens along a flat ramp suitable for wheelchairs.  All toilets are on the same level. 
  • Are there venue staff available to help me if I have a question? Yes, any of the venue staff will be pleased to assist you. 
  • Am I able to obtain information about when to expect loud sounds or other startling activity in the show? Yes, please EMAIL us