This summer Live at Kilworth is back, bringing with it a celebration of the greatest musical acts in the country house hotel’s open-air theatre…

Few Experiences are as enjoyable as an evening of live music, and being in the setting of Kilworth House Hotel & Theatre’s 550-seat open-air theatre makes an evening of entertainment even more special. Every summer, Live at Kilworth is a programme of top-quality artists celebrating some of the world’s most popular musical acts, and this year there are 16 acts to enjoy with something for everyone.

Kilworth House was created in the late 1880s for John Entwhistle, former High Sheriff of Leicestershire. In 1999 its current owners Celia & Richard Mackay purchased the Grade II listed property and embarked on a comprehensive four-year restoration, creating a 44-bedroom hotel with two restaurants set in 38 acres of parkland.

In 2007 Celia created Kilworth House Theatre and became its artistic director, opening with a show-stopping performance of Pirates of Penzance. Today the theatre is home to a programme comprising 120 performances including a live music acts and West-End-style shows unsurpassed anywhere short of London’s theatreland.

Kilworth House Theatre’s summer programme takes place in its open-air auditorium with padded tiered seating and magnificent sail-like canopies meaning it’s the comfortable open-air theatre experience that the weather can’t spoil. The Staging Post is a beautiful wooden log cabin situated adjacent to the theatre, and is a great location for corporate hospitality if you’re entertaining guests at the theatre, or it can serve as a bar for drinks pre/post-show and for interval refreshments.

In addition the hotel provides pre-theatre lunch and dinner in the Grade II listed, Victorian orangery, which overlooks Kilworth’s beautiful grounds. For a really special experience, Kilworth House also offers theatre break packages which comprise of tickets for performances, pre-theatre dinner and overnight accommodation with breakfast the following morning. The packages are also available in luxury or four-poster rooms too.

Bringing 1960s kitsch to the stage this year is Hairspray, based on the Broadway musical which won eight Tony awards including Best Musical, and has also been nominated for 10 Olivier Awards. Hairspray is a feel good musical comedy show running from 27th June to 6th August Later in the summer, Live at Kilworth takes place from mid-August with a total of 16 acts, the most popular of which sell out extremely quickly, so early booking to avoid disappointment is definitely recommended.

Among this year’s events are favourites like Thank You For The Music – a world-class tribute to Swedish superband Abba, and a celebration of the 1980s with Calling Plant Earth, bringing together synth, electro and New Romantic favourites from the decade. Finally, the rousing Last Night of the Proms with the 33-piece British Philharmonic Orchestra performing the usual Prom favourites from Jerusalem, Sailor’s Hornpipe, Land of Hope & Glory and of course, Rule Britannia.

Entertainment doesn’t get any better than Kilworth Live, a programme of the best live music acts in a setting that’s as dazzling and as bright as the Great British summer itself.

Live at Kilworth: The 2023 Programme…

Wednesday 16th August, Legend Live: Michael Anton Philips presents a show dedicated to the life of the late, great Bob Marley. Tickets £36.

Thursday 17th August, The Bohemians: The world’s most exciting Queen tribute band, with hits like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You and We Are the Champions. Tickets £36.

Friday 18th August, Thank you for the Music:  A smash-hit tribute act to Abba with favourites like Waterloo, Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia! Tickets £40.

Saturday 19th August, Talon: Talon’s 10th successive year at Kilworth Hotel, celebrating the musical back catalogue of The Eagles. Tickets £40.

Sunday 20th August, Last Night of the Proms:  The British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, perform classical favourites. Tickets £45.

Tuesday 22nd August, Jive Talkin’: Celebrating the Bee Gees’ songbook. Tickets £36.

Wednesday 23th August, Showaddywaddy: 50th anniversary tour for the rock ‘n’ rollers who took us three steps to heaven. Tickets £36.

Thursday 24th August, Totally Tina: Justine Riddoch celebrates Tina Turner’s sensational back catalogue. Tickets £36.

Friday 25th August, Elo Again: Mr Blue Sky, Sweet Talking Woman and It’s a Livin’ Thing, presented in ELO’s sublime symphonic style. Tickets £38.

Saturday 26th August, Calling Planet Earth: Celebrating the electrifying 80s with music from bands like Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Depeche Mode, ABC and Soft Cell to name just a few. Tickets £40.

Sunday 27th August, How Sweet It Is: Motown magic with The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Four Tops, Marvin Gaye and more. Tickets £38.

Tuesday 29th August, Luther Live: A Luther Vandross celebration from Endless Love to Dance with My Father. Tickets £36.

Wednesday 30th August, Money for Nothing: Dire Straits tribute led by Aled Williams. Tickets £36.

Thursday 31st August, Lost in Music: A celebration of disco from Donna Summer to Gloria Gaynor, Sister Sledge and Chic. Tickets £36.

Friday 1st September, Re-Take That: The ultimate Take That party night with hits from Never Forget to Back for Good! Tickets £40.

Sunday 3rd September, Bowie Experience: A must-see performance for all fans of David Bowie, the world’s greatest pop icon. Tickets £38.

Find Out More: To book Pre theatre dining or tickets for Hairspray or LIVE at Kilworth, call the Box Office on 01858 881939. For dining and accommodation, call 01858 880058 or see www.kilworthhouse.co.uk. North Kilworth, Leicestershire, LE17 6JE.