Children’s Ballet Matinée Performance at Hatch House

A Magical, Interactive Ballet Experience for Children and Families

Having listened to your feedback from previous years, we are excited to announce our brand-new format: Children's Matinee.  Please join us on Thursday, 24th July 2025, at the stunning Hatch House near Tisbury for a joyful ballet experience specially created for children and families. 

Hosted by celebrated Bahamian ballerina Courtney Celeste Fox, this interactive performance includes:

• A behind-the-scenes look at theatre magic (lighting, music cues, stagecraft)

• Two short professional ballet pieces from the weekend’s main programme

• A fun on-stage finale where children can learn and perform a dance with Courtney

This relaxed and inspiring event is an excellent way to introduce young audiences to the world of movement, music, and storytelling, allowing them to see world-class ballet dancers in action.

All money raised supports The Dicky Buckle Fund, which funds new dance works by emerging choreographers, dancers, and designers, many of which premiere at Hatch House and go on to tour nationally and internationally.

Timings: 

Please arrive at 2:45 p.m. to be seated promptly at 3:00 p.m.  The performance is expected to conclude around 4:30 pm. You are then welcome to stay and picnic in the grounds following the performance.  

Dress-Rehearsal: 

A full dress rehearsal will then take place from around 5.30 pm.   Should you wish to stay, we kindly request you to select a ticket option online.  We ask for an add-on of £50 per family (this includes a maximum of 2 adults).   For those who decide to stay on the day, we will invite you to make a bank transfer or bring cash. Please note that the dress rehearsal is for production purposes, so please expect delays during the run-through.

Alternatively, there are "Rehearsal Only" options available too.  

Dress

You will be in a covered, but open-sided marquee, so please dress warmly.

Refreshments

Drinks will be available from the bar. Please bring a picnic if you wish to have one after the matinee

Here's a video on what to expect