alt=A black and white photo of two actors in elaborate robes, performing a scene from The tempest by William Shakespeare|thumb|The Tempest, 1964

thumb|The Merchant of Venice, 2008

alt=Marie Bushell as Rosalind in As You Like It in 2017|thumb|Marie Bushell as Rosalind in As You Like It in 2017

Brownsea Open Air Theatre (commonly abbreviated BOAT) is an open-air Shakespearean theatre company based in Poole, Dorset that have performed large theatrical productions since 1964. Annually, performing a play from the extensive works of William Shakespeare for three weeks in July and August, the production is set on the National Trust's Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour with boats transporting patrons to the island from Poole Quay.

Proceeds from the production are donated to The National Trust for whom BOAT have so far raised over £300,000.

In 2023 BOAT celebrated their 60th Season with Romeo and Juliet. The Prologue and Epilogue were performed by Eileen Rawlings, a founder member who played Ariel in BOAT's first production, The Tempest, in 1964

In 2024 it was announced that, due to demands made by the National Trust, BOAT would no longer be able to perform on Brownsea Island in their usual format with a raked auditorium, set and full stage lighting. It was concluded that a reduced scale production on the island would prove uneconomic, so BOAT took the difficult decision to look for an alternative venue on the mainland.

Canford School played host to BOAT in 2025, and plans are in place for BOAT to continue their residency at Canford into the future.

Critical acclaim

BOAT receive excellent national and regional coverage, and have been featured in The Guardian as one of the UK's Top 10 Open Air Theatre Venues, listed second to the Minack Theatre in Porthcurno, Cornwall.

In 2009 BOAT was included in Debrett's list of the top five things to do in England and in 2019 Woman's Weekly featured BOAT as one of the Top 5 Open Air Theatres in the UK.

Productions

thumb|[[Titus Andronicus (play)|Titus Andronicus, 2018]]

thumb|Two Gentlemen Of Verona, 2016

In 2026 BOAT will present The Tempest, and A Midsummer Night's Dream will be performed in 2027

Former BOAT members

Former members of Brownsea Open Air Theatre who went on to appear in film, stage and/or television include the following:

  • Christopher Mellows, an actor in Silent Witness, Midsomer Murders and Foyle's War.
  • Rebecca Night, played the title role in the BBC adaptation of Fanny Hill, broadcast in October 2007.
  • Lisa Dillon, best known as Mary Smith in 'Cranford' on BBC One and has starred in productions for the 'RSC', 'National Theatre' and in the West End

References

  • Official website