A Ryedale stately home is hosting live theatre for the first time this spring with budding actors invited to get involved.

Birdsall House is collaborating with Malton-based theatre company Be Amazing Arts with a series of promenade performances of The Secret Garden.

As the production runs over half-term, there is an opportunity for young actors in the area to work with the professional cast, with auditions being held in Malton on Tuesday, April 25

The Willoughby family opened Birdsall House for private events, such as weddings, five years ago.

The house has been in the family for over 300 years and the Hon. James and Lady Cara Willoughby still reside in part of the house with their three children.

Private tours, concerts organised by the Ryedale Festival and film companies have also been welcomed to the house since 2018 but this is the first time the organisation will host live theatre.

Be Amazing Arts was launched in 2019 by James Aconley with Roxanna Klimaszewska as Creative Director and Natalie Aconley as Operations Director . The trio are based in Malton and run a youth theatre and a number of creative workshops as well as producing theatre.

Lady Willoughby said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Be Amazing Arts. The Secret Garden lends itself so well to Birdsall, with the gardens here once being designed by Thomas Knowlton, student of Capability Brown. We have found the perfect people to collaborate with for our first venture into theatre. We’re looking forward to welcoming audiences here over the Spring half-term.” The company are providing opportunities for young, local performers to join the professional actors of The Secret Garden in the week-long programme.

James Aconley, Producer “We’re really excited to be heading to Birdsall this Spring to bring our telling of The Secret Garden to life. This is a production that will allow audiences to see the grounds of the historic house – it promises to be enthralling and fun in equal measure. As the production runs over half-term, we also have a unique performance opportunity for budding actors in the area to work with the professional cast, with auditions being held in Malton on Tuesday, April 25”

Those interested in taking part should apply online to audition using the Be Amazing Arts website.

The Secret Garden runs from May 30 to June 4(no performances on June 3) at various times. Tickets are £18. To book tickets to see the production, head to the Be Amazing Arts website. https://beamazingarts.co.uk/the-secret-garden/