King Arthur and the Holy Fail: Open-Air Theatre Comes to Delapre Abbey

I’m always on the lookout for something a bit different to add to the summer diary, and this one’s caught my eye. Open-air theatre company The Three Inch Fools are bringing their brand new comedy, King Arthur and the Holy Fail, to the Walled Garden at Delapre Abbey on Sunday 9th August 2026.

What is King Arthur and the Holy Fail about?

It’s a fast-paced, family-friendly retelling of the King Arthur legend, played for laughs rather than played straight. The story follows a reluctant would-be hero named Arthur, who gets swept into the quest of a lifetime after a disaster involving a table of mysterious shape throws Camelot into chaos. Expect knights, jousting, medieval mayhem and plenty of silliness along the way, all performed by The Three Inch Fools’ small touring cast, known for their music-filled, high-energy style of outdoor theatre.

The show has been picking up strong reviews on its tour this summer, with audiences describing it as genuinely funny and a big hit with children as well as adults, which makes it a nice option if you’re after a family outing that doesn’t feel like it’s aimed purely at little ones.

When and where

• Date: Sunday 9th August 2026
• Venue: Delapre Abbey, Walled Garden, London Road, Northampton, NN4 8AW
• Doors/Gates: 6pm
• Performance starts: 7pm
• Running time: Approximately 100 minutes, including a 20 minute interval
• Suitable for: All ages

What to bring and what to know

This is an outdoor performance in the Walled Garden, so it’s worth planning ahead. There’s no seating provided, so you’ll need to bring your own chairs, camping chairs or cushions to sit on. The show goes ahead rain or shine, so pack warm layers and waterproofs just in case, rather than an umbrella, as umbrellas aren’t allowed once the performance starts because they block the view for people behind you.

One important thing to flag: picnics are not permitted at this particular performance, so do check what food and drink options are available on site if you’re planning to make an evening of it.

Booking in advance online is recommended, as these outdoor performances have a habit of selling out. Tickets are available via Eventbrite, and I’d suggest checking the listing directly for the latest pricing and availability before you book.

If you’ve been to Delapre Food Festival or one of the abbey’s other family events before, you’ll already know what a lovely setting the grounds make for an evening out. If Delapre Abbey isn’t somewhere you’ve explored yet, it’s well worth a look at my guide to family days out in Northamptonshire for more ideas on what else is nearby.

Fancy more evenings like this on the calendar? I share the best family events happening across the county every week in my newsletter, so you never miss out on something like this again.

Please note that this event is run by a third-party organiser, and all details were correct at the time of publication based on information from official sources. Changes or cancellations can happen at short notice, so we’d always recommend double-checking details on the official booking page before making plans.