“Bonnie & Clyde The Musical” is set to captivate audiences across the UK and Ireland following its spectacular run in London’s West End. The show tells the thrilling tale of two small-town kids, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, who rose to become legendary folk heroes in America, their story a dazzling mix of love, adventure, and crime.

Leading the cast as Clyde Barrow is Alex James-Hatton, known for his roles in “Heathers” and “Newsies”. He brings his charismatic presence to the stage alongside Katie Tonkinson, starring as Bonnie Parker. Tonkinson, who previously impressed audiences in “Bat Out of Hell”, is set to deliver another unforgettable performance. Adding to the dynamic lineup, Daisy Wood-Davis, recognized for her work in “Hollyoaks” and “Holby City”, will portray Blanche Barrow.

Supporting them, Sam Ferriday, with his extensive musical theater background including “The Cher Show” and “Jersey Boys”, takes on the role of Marvin “Buck” Barrow. Jaz Ellington, an R&B and soul talent known for his appearances on The Voice UK, will enchant as The Preacher. Additionally, Nate Landskroner, who has delighted audiences in “Waitress” and “Heathers”, will alternate the role of Clyde during midweek matinee performances.

The musical boasts an impressive creative team. The score is the work of Tony-nominated composer Frank Wildhorn, with lyrics by Tony and Oscar winner Don Black, and a book by Emmy nominee Ivan Menchell. Nick Winston directs and choreographs, ensuring a vibrant staging of the lovers’ escapades.

Behind the scenes, the set and costumes are crafted by Philip Witcomb, with musical supervision by Katy Richardson. The team also includes notable talents such as Nick Barstow in associate musical supervision and John McDaniel handling original arrangements and orchestrations, among others. Each design element, from lighting by Zoe Spurr to sound by Tom Marshall and wigs by Darren Ware, is meticulously curated to enhance this gripping narrative.

Produced by the Olivier Award-winning DLAP Group, “Bonnie & Clyde The Musical” is more than just a musical; it’s an immersive experience into the lives of America’s most famous outlaws. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed historical tales or poignant love stories, this production promises to be an electrifying adventure. Don’t miss your chance to experience this exceptional blend of storytelling and theatrical innovation!

Let the fun be-gin at De Vere Latimer Estate, set in the heart of Buckinghamshire in the Chess Valley, with their indulgent gin lovers break priced from £185 per room*. The gin package includes an overnight stay with a £26 dinner voucher per guest and a gin cocktail each, followed by breakfast the following morning.

Relax with a complimentary G&T in the hotel’s Huntley Bar, a cosy bar which offers views across the estate’s gardens and sweeping views of the Chiltern Hills. During their stay, guests can also opt to visit the nearby Griffiths Brothers Gin distillery, located just 15 minutes away, for a tour of the distillery with tastings to be enjoyed along the way and to learn how Griffiths Brothers Gins are produced.

Spend the evening in 1838 Restaurant & Bar which celebrates classic British dishes where you’ll discover locally sourced, seasonally inspired menus with dishes including lemon & herb marinated pork tenderloin; Casterbridge 28 days dry aged 8oz Sirloin steak; grilled fillet of sustainable sea bream; and rigatoni alla parmigiana. As part of the package, guests will have up to £52 to spend between them in the restaurant during their stay.

De Vere Latimer Estate, located in the Chess Valley in Buckinghamshire, has plenty of activities on the doorstep. Why not borrow a pair of Hunter wellies and explore the beautiful 10-mile Chess Valley Walk on the hotel’s doorstep to discover a wealth of wildlife, historic buildings, water meadows and nature reserves.

Afterwards, guests can head back to the hotel where they can opt for some R&R in the pool, sauna and steam room or, enjoy a board game in The Library – a secluded spot ideal for relaxing with a drink in hand or indulging in a delicious afternoon tea.

This summer, open-air cinema screenings, picnic theatre and a food festival will come to Waddesdon Manor for some fantastic seasonal culture in the outdoors.

The Luna Cinema will pitch up in the grounds and screen four blockbuster films, with the 19^th-century chateau serving as a picturesque backdrop. After arriving via a path lit with festoon lighting, visitors can enjoy the full service of the on-site Luna bar for refreshments and food.

Champagne may be the apt choice on the first night with Baz Luhrman’s spectacular take on The Great Gatsby (Wed 13 Sept) starring Leonardo Di Caprio. While the director’s latest, the Oscar-nominated biopic Elvis (Thurs 14 Sept), follows on the following day to fill the garden setting with Presley’s signature rock and roll. Then a modern classic, as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Fri 15 Sept), the film that kicked off one of the biggest film series of all time, will make Friday evening a nostalgic start to the weekend. The final screening will be the smash-hit of last year Top Gun: Maverick (Sat 16 Sept), starring Tom Cruise and widely cited as a saviour of big-screen cinema.

At the end of August, visitors will be transported back to Elizabethan times with the open-air production of Romeo and Juliet (Thurs 24 Aug) by the internationally-acclaimed The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, the UK’s premier all-male company. It will be a unique opportunity to watch the traditional performance in the atmospheric grounds of one the UK’s most beautiful settings. Alongside Elizabethan dress, music and dances, and with the all-male cast, guests can watch the tragedy in a similar manner to how Shakespeare’s original tale would’ve been viewed by the public, except with the extra comfort of enjoying your own picnic in the garden.

If you cannot wait for the second half of summer to see some Shakespeare, then the Unbound Theatre company will have you covered with their free picnic performance of the comedy Much Ado About Nothing (Sun 23 July)at 2pm. They will also return for another free performance of their original play Gertrude & Dorothy (Sun 20 Aug), a crime caper throwing together the noted horticulturalist and garden designer Gertrude Jekyll, and Britain’s first racing driver Dorothy Levitt, for three separate showings throughout the day.

Adding to the summer heat will be Chilli Fest (Fri 1 – Sun 3 Sept) a weekend festival featuring handpicked exhibitors, all passionate about chilli, bringing the best of local artisan condiments, sauces, and chutneys to the Manor grounds. Around 70 stalls will offer up the taste of some of the most delicious chilli-food from the UK, so you can pitch up with a picnic in the sunny grounds to enjoy for the day, and then choose your favourite condiments to take home. There will also be a range of bars and distilleries, offering everything from local vineyards to flavoursome cocktails, making the perfect refreshments after a walk in the gardens. Along with live music and activities for young ones, and with a special late-night opening on Saturday, Chilli Fest is the perfect way to enjoy the last of the summer sunshine.

Of course, if you want to escape the sun for a while, Waddesdon Manor’s impressive permanent collection will be available inside. For first-time visitors or regular guests, there’s plenty to see and enjoy, including the newly restored Musical elephant automaton, the rare Sèvres pot-pourri vase, and works by Guardi, Reynolds, Gainsborough and Watteau.

Alongside the entire summer programme, which includes more theatre shows suitable for the whole family, Waddesdon Manor is set to be the perfect late summer outing for friend meetups, evening drinks, and relaxed afternoon picnics, enjoying the most exciting culture of cinema, theatre and food in a glorious summer setting.

There are limited places available for the events mentioned above, please visit the Waddesdon Manor summer holidays webpage to book and not miss out.