An open-air theatre classic is making its return to the stage this summer.
Red Rose Chain's Theatre in the Forest will once again take over the grounds of Sutton Hoo from July 22 to August 22, 2026.
The company will present Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, bringing its signature blend of puppet theatre, family-friendly storytelling, and inclusive performance to audiences in a style developed by Jo Carrick, the company's founder and artistic director.
The production will be co-directed by David Newborn and Katy Latham.
Mr Newborn said: "Jo’s amazing creativity made Theatre in the Forest a key feature of summer in Suffolk.
"Our audiences of all ages and backgrounds have always made it clear how much it means to them.
"It is a real honour to be leading Jo’s team of actors, creatives and volunteers to celebrate her life.
"One of the themes of Twelfth Night is love and joy emerging from the pain of loss, so there really couldn’t be a more appropriate choice this year.
"We are all very excited to come together and bring to life Shakespeare’s words with the usual dose of Red Rose Chain magic, comedy, puppetry and songs."
Theatre in the Forest has earned a national reputation for its lively reimagining of Shakespeare, focusing on accessibility and entertainment value for all ages.
The staging of Twelfth Night in 2025 will also serve as a tribute to Ms Carrick, using her 2011 adaptation and the unique outdoor theatre style she developed.
This season follows Red Rose Chain’s recent win of the Peter Brook Award at the Critics Circle Theatre Awards for its work presented in 2025.
Mr Newborn and Ms Latham will bring Ms Carrick’s vision to life once more, continuing her legacy of inclusive, heritage-inspired theatre rooted in the Suffolk landscape.
Performances will run from Tuesday to Saturday each week, starting at 7.30pm.
The theatre space will open from 6pm, with the grounds of Sutton Hoo accessible from 5pm to allow for picnicking before the show.
National Trust Sutton Hoo will once again host the event, renewing a partnership that has brought the joy of live theatre to the historic site for several summers.
Joshua Ward, senior visitor experience officer at National Trust Sutton Hoo, said: "We're delighted to be hosting Theatre in the Forest for another year with Red Rose Chain's production of Twelfth Night.
"We can’t think of a better way to celebrate Jo Carrick’s incredible legacy than with another great summer of outdoor theatre – and it’s also a great way to experience an evening at Sutton Hoo."
Tickets are priced at £33 full price, £28 for over-65s, and £15 for concessions including under-16s, full-time students, and those in receipt of disability or pension credits.
A family ticket (two adults and two under-16s) is available for £87.
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