Co-founded by Artistic Director Joe McNeice and Executive Director Brendan Maye, the Lavender Theatre opened its doors for the first time in July 2023.
Launching with an "utterly irresistable" (The Stage) production of Irving Berlin's sharpshooting classic, Annie Get Your Gun, the lavender fields at Mayfield's Epsom location were drenched in "bluegrass-tinged glory" (WhatsOnStage) as we welcomed our very first audiences to the theatre. The production, directed and choreographed by Simon Hardwick, featured an ensemble of incredible performers who proved "There's No Business Like Show Business" with high-kicking, gun-slinging energy. SuRie, who played Annie Oakley, and Debbi Clarke, the show's musical director, are both shortlisted finalists at this year's Offies Awards in recognition of their outstanding work on the production.
Joe, who worked behind the scenes at the immersive Great Gatsby after graduating from the University of York in 2018 went on to join Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre as a Visitor Services Manager until 2022, when he left to take on the role of Artistic Director for the Lavender Theatre with Mayfield.
Together, Joe and Brendan have formed Lavender Productions Ltd. to manage the running of the theatre venture; the launch of which will see the completion of a significant investment into the Epsom site, which already boasts a coffee bar, shop, and a full service glasshouse restaurant due to open shortly. More information about what’s already open at Mayfield in Epsom can be found here.
Opening its gates for the first time on 17 July, the Lavender Theatre will present Irving Berlin’s classic Annie Get Your Gun for a limited three-week season.
For more information about Mayfield Lavender, please visit www.mayfieldlavender.com
