Pride & Prejudice: open-air theatre to raise vital funds for Shelter

On Thursday 31 July, award winning touring theatre company Illyria will perform Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice in the outdoor setting of Claremont Farm in Bebington to help raise essential funds for the housing and homelessness charity Shelter.

The performance kicks off at 7pm and funds raised from this enchanting sunset performance will help Shelter’s frontline services to continue providing free and expert help to thousands of people facing homelessness, as well as helping the charity to campaign for lasting change. 

Pauline Cox, Regional Community Fundraiser for Shelter Merseyside, said:

“This special outdoor performance of Pride and Prejudice is set to be a spectacular evening. By coming along the community can enjoy a night of theatre in the open air, while helping Shelter to continue to be there for people who don’t have anywhere safe to call home.

“Thousands of people in the Northwest are homeless, and many are families with children. Shelter’s work to fight the housing emergency, and provide practical help and advice to people, is vital. We’re here so that no-one has to face homelessness alone – but we cannot continue to do this without the amazing support of the public and our partners. 

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who buys a ticket and comes along to this event, and we can’t thank Illyria and Claremont Farm enough for their support in making this dazzling night of theatre possible.” 

Pride and Prejudice tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates love, family expectations, and societal pressures in Georgian England. With wit, intelligence, and fierce independence, Elizabeth challenges the norms of her time, particularly when she meets the proud and enigmatic Mr. Darcy. Their evolving relationship – marked by misunderstandings, pride, and ultimately mutual respect – forms the heart of Jane Austen’s timeless classic. 

This outdoor performance brings the beloved novel to life in a beautiful setting, filled with charm, humour, and romance. It’s a perfect summer evening for fans of literature, period drama, and open-air theatre.

Ticket holders must bring their own chair and dress for the weather as the show will continue in all but the very worst of conditions. A cash bar is available on site.

Gates open at 6:30pm and the show starts promptly at 7pm, with a running time of 2 hours 15 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. Tickets are £19 each plus Eventbrite booking fee and on sale now: www.sheltermerseyside.org.uk

Love your movies? Get the latest film news for Liverpool HERE.