The Arches Theatre
A quirky outdoor theatre venue based in the small village of Clifton Reynes near Olney which has been offering a summer of exciting live theatre and music shows since 2018.
Bring your own chair, unpack your picnic, pop open your fizz and prepare to be wowed by a variety of acts in a picturesque setting.
The Arches and surrounding parkland, including a small island in the River Great Ouse, is also available for hire as a filming and photographic location.
The four railway arches, now The Arches Theatre, was once part of the Midland Railway’s Bedford to Northampton line. The line opened in 1872 and closed to passengers in 1962. The railway line runs through the land belonging to local impresario David Pibworth.
For many years it stayed unused and almost forgotten. That is until David and his wife decided that these beautiful railway arches should no longer be hidden by brambles, bushes, nettles and ivy; but should instead be opened up into an outdoor theatre venue for everyone to enjoy. Two etc stalwarts, John Drinkwater and Paul Wheeler, helped turn the overgrown area into a place fit for performance.
etc has been delivering a production there every year since.
If you are driving, The Arches Theatre can only be accessed via the village of Clifton Reynes using postcode: MK46 5DT. As you enter the village, continue along the main road with the Robin Hood Inn on your left-hand side. Continue forward roughly 200 yards until you get to Church Farm on your right. You will be directed to the car park.
The summer season runs from July to September when the access route is mowed and toilets are put in place – but it is still an uneven field open to the elements so visitors are asked to bring a torch for getting back to the car, suitable shoes and clothing for all weathers and to be able to take rubbish home.
