Lindy O’Hare is the co-founder and director of Thorington Theatre in Suffolk. Ahead of the new season, starting on Friday, the organic nut farmer shares the story of the outdoor theatre in the woods built during Covid
Who are you and what do you do?
Hi, I’m Lindy O’Hare, co-founder and director of Thorington Theatre; an outdoor theatre in the woods, seating 380 people; built during Covid from timber sustainably coppiced from the farm. I’m also an organic nut farmer.
What do you love about being in Suffolk? What makes it such a special part of the world, in your opinion?
It is a very special part of the world, full of friendly and engaging people. There is a burgeoning arts and cultural environment in Suffolk, from small local theatres to international leaders like Britten Pears Arts. The farming community is integral to the whole, working together, improving and regenerating the land. I love the way we all cooperate to create a flourishing county.
What led you to setting up Thorington Theatre? What were you doing before?
The amphitheatre-shaped bomb crater on the farm led us to building the theatre. So, one could say from destruction to creation. Before Thorington Theatre I was working in our family’s data business.
How did you go about constructing a 380-seat outdoor theatre on a farm? When did you open it to the public?
The idea started in 2019. We had the timber coppiced and prepared and when lockdown happened, it became a good time to build the theatre. There were 4 carpenters working outdoors with their own tools. In 2021 when restrictions eased, we were ready to open.
How important is it to you to source locally (anything from the timber to the food and drink in the bar)?
The farm is an organic nut farm, and we run every aspect of it, with the environment at the forefront of our minds. The timber came 50m from the site, the trees that were coppiced have regrown and are now 30′ tall. The offerings at the bar are all local or from Suffolk companies; ice-creams, crisps, gin, beer and wine (we use Vinca, a Suffolk company, albeit they are using organic Italian grapes.) The fizz is from Kent. We like to support local businesses, and it also keeps the delivery miles to a minimum.
Where does your love of theatre come from? What is the ethos of Thorington Theatre?
I studied Drama in first year at university. Back stage was for me; I had no desire to be in the footlights. The ethos of the theatre is being sustainable and environmentally friendly; and to engage and entertain the local community. We try to be as inclusive as possible; having step-free access for those who require it. Our policy is that carers come free to the theatre to make it easy for the less mobile.
How would you describe this year’s season in a paragraph?
This year’s season has more of everything; especially music and fantastic children’s shows. We are showcasing local artists alongside national and international ones. For example, our opening evening with the talented Caswell starring.
What is new for this year? A miniature version of the outdoor theatre at a local primary school and two ‘Thorington Men’? Tell us more!
Yes, new this year is mini Thorington Theatre built in the grounds of Bramfield Primary School. The innovative Head, Linda Ashfield, came up with the idea for the children to perform and have the end of term events such as Parents Day and Prize Giving on the stage. We also have two ‘new men’; The Thorington Men. These are 8ft bronze statues created by Lawrence Edwards, local sculptor. They will be standing at the entrance of the theatre, inviting our audiences in. The first one will be installed in May and the second in July. They represent tragedy and comedy with the respective masks placed on their torsos.
What are your hopes and dreams for Thorington Theatre?
To continue being an integral part of the community and host wonderful shows. Just to add, the Royal Shakespeare Company will be performing here next year, a dream come true.
Visit Thorington Theatre.
Featured image of Lindy O’Hare – supplied
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