Step into a world of magic and imagination as Exbury Gardens hosts an open-air production of Outdoor Theatre – Pinocchio on Wednesday 5th August 2026! Presented by the award-winning outdoor theatre company Illyria, Carlo Collodi’s classic 1883 tale comes vividly to life as a thrilling musical performance beneath the summer sky. Bring your picnic blankets and folding chairs for an unforgettable family evening in the gardens.
Event Schedule & Timetable
Outdoor Theatre – Pinocchio takes place on a summer evening at Exbury Gardens:
- Event Date: Wednesday 5th August 2026
- Doors Open: 6:00 PM (Allowing plenty of time to set up picnics and seating)
- Performance Starts: 7:00 PM
- Running Time: Approximately 95 minutes (Includes a 20-minute interval)
- Venue Location: Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, Exbury, near Beaulieu, Southampton (SO45 1AZ)
Attractions & Show Highlights
An enchanting open-air theatrical experience set within the grounds of Exbury Gardens:
- Live Outdoor Musical: Performed by the renowned outdoor theatre company Illyria, bringing Carlo Collodi’s classic 1883 story to life with music and comedy.
- Family-Friendly Storytelling: Follow wooden puppet Pinocchio on his whirlwind adventure as he learns that lying and running away won’t help him achieve his dream of becoming a real boy.
- Open-Air Picnic Experience: Guests are invited to bring their own picnic blankets, rug cushion sets, or low-backed camp chairs (seating is not provided).
- Food & Drink Options: On-site food will be available to purchase on the night, or visitors are welcome to pack and bring their own picnics.
- Age Suitability: Recommended for ages 5+ (younger siblings and children are also very welcome).
Ticket Types & Pricing
Tickets should be booked in advance online:
- Adult Admission: £21.00
- Child Admission (Ages 3–15): £12.00
- Children Under 3: FREE
- Carers: FREE
How to Get to Exbury Gardens
Exbury Gardens is situated on the Beaulieu Peninsula in the New Forest:
- By Car: From the M27, take Junction 2 onto the A326 towards Dibden Purlieu, following the brown tourist signs directly to Exbury Gardens (SO45 1AZ).
- By Train: Brockenhurst and Southampton Central are the closest rail stations, with local taxi services available to complete your journey.
- By Bus: The seasonal New Forest Tour bus (Green Route) services Exbury Gardens during the summer holiday daytime.
Parking Information
Parking options at Exbury Gardens:
- Main Visitor Car Park: FREE parking is available on-site directly outside the main entrance gates for theatre attendees.
- Accessible Parking: Dedicated Blue Badge parking spaces are positioned close to the entrance for easy access.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the region? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest outdoor theatre, family shows, summer holiday events, and local attractions near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Outdoor Theatre – Pinocchio performance taking place?
- The show takes place on Wednesday 5th August 2026. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the performance starts at 7:00 PM.
- Where is Exbury Gardens located?
- Exbury Gardens is located in Exbury, near Beaulieu, Southampton (SO45 1AZ).
- How much are tickets for Pinocchio?
- Tickets are £21 for adults and £12 for children (ages 3–15). Entry is free for essential carers and children under 3.
- Who is performing the show?
- The production is presented by the award-winning outdoor theatre company Illyria.
- How long is the performance?
- The total running time is approximately 95 minutes, which includes a 20-minute interval.
- Is seating provided at the event?
- No, seating is not provided. Visitors are asked to bring their own picnic blankets, rugs, or low-backed camp chairs.
- Can we bring our own food and drink?
- Yes, you are very welcome to bring your own picnic, though food and refreshments will also be available to purchase on site.
- What is the recommended age for the show?
- The performance is recommended for ages 5 and over, though younger children are also welcome to attend.
- Is parking free for the outdoor theatre?
- Yes, on-site parking in the main visitor car park is free for all attendees.
- What happens if it rains?
- As an outdoor theatre event, performances usually continue in light rain, so visitors are advised to dress suitably for the evening weather.