Euripides’ Bacchae at Spruce Wood

National touring theatre company, Actors of Dionysus, will be bringing Euripides’ Bacchae to Spruce Wood in Kingston this Summer. This thrilling open-air production will take place in the beautiful outdoor theatre and in the grounds of this wonderfully landscaped garden.

Euripides’ masterpiece of rejection and revenge pits the uptight King Pentheus against the powerful demi-God Dionysus on his return to his homeland Thebes. When the newly crowned Pentheus forbids any worship of this new God, Dionysus unleashes the savage anger of his women, the Bacchae, and the battle begins.  This is a powerful exploration of the seductive nature of cult and the ability of power to corrupt. See who wins in this ultimate power struggle.

Featuring a talented ensemble, and elements of aerial and physical theatre, this performance promises to be a spectacular event bringing classical Greek drama alive for a modern audience. 

Bacchae cast list:

• Agave/Chorus – Danielle Bond
• Chorus – Lizzie Buckingham
• Teiresias/Chorus – Janna Fox
• Pentheus – Colin Kiyani
• Cadmus – Patrick Knox
• Dionysus – Tamsin Shasha

Tamsin Shasha performs the part of Dionysus and co-directs with David Stuttard, using his original adaptation. This production follows on from aod’s recent success with their new play Helen (a contemporary piece based on the myth of Helen of Troy) at Brighton Fringe, which was described as “an inspired piece of theatre, meticulously presented” (Brighton Argus), and “astonishing and unforgettable” (Fringe Review). 

This is an exclusive and magical evening.  Guests arrive on the red carpet at 7pm and are greeted with a glass of bubbly and canapés and an opportunity to explore the beautiful cultivated gardens and view the many sculptures at Spruce Wood.

Our performance of The Bacchae begins at 8pm and is followed by a re-filling of glasses and a charity auction led by John "Fingers" Fingleton.

There follows an exquisite buffet in the Tudor Sunken Garden catered by Bobsiloula with wines provided by Nekter Wines.  An opportunity to sample an array of even more delicious and highly exclusive wines by the glass will be offered.

This is a delightful high end, one off event where the wine flows freely and the drama plays out in front of your very eyes in a truly seductive and magical setting. Don't miss it!!  

Tickets costs £150 and there are only a few remaining tickets so please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to join us for this very special occasion.

All proceeds go toward the education work and public engagement work of the charity Actors of Dionysus.