Singing Theatre

The Larmer Tree Gardens are in Tollard Royal, in the heart of Cranborne Chase. They were laid out in 1880 by the distinguished archaeologist General Pitt-Rivers for the recreation of the population of the neighbouring towns, to offer opportunities to acquaint people with aspects of unfamiliar culture. It was the first privately-owned park to be open to the public. The gardens take their name from the Larmer tree, a wych-elm which existed in the tenth century, and which later constituted a landmark indicating Parish and County boundaries. The spectacular chalk uplands which lie between the valleys of the Stour and Avon were known as Cranborne Chase before the Norman conquest, patronised by Royalty for hunting by the middle of William the Conqueror’s reign. From King John, Tollar derived its name of Royal. Ownership of the rights of the Chase passed through a number of families, and ultimately to the Pitt family. Peacocks, ornamental pheasants and free-flying macaws are permanent residents, descendants of the the original birds introduced in the 1880s.

The gardens feature Indian structures said to have been acquired from a London Colonial Exhibition, Nepalese buildings with carved wood elevations, a Roman temple, sculptures and the Singing Theatre, an open-air stage famous for operatic and dramatic presentations.

A band was formed in 1866 from farmworkers on the Rushmore estate to perform at the bandstand and to play the prelude and entr’actes to productions on the open stage.

The Singing Theatre itself is of a type rare in Britain, in the style of a plein-air café chantant. Of wooden construction, the raised stage is contained within a semi-circular arch flanked by Roman Corinthian pilasters supporting a full entablature. The pilasters continue in simplified form to the sides and rear. The stage itself is of exedra form, semi-domed and painted at the back with Classical landscape. The design is attributed to Pitt-Rivers, together with other outside buildings, inspired by similar designs see on travels or at the Great Exhibition. It was executed by estate carpenters, and the original scene was painted by Douglas, the fifth son of Pitt-Rivers.

The attractions in the gardens were closed to the public in the early years of the twentieth century, and gradually became overgrown. In 1995 they were reopened. Each year more restoration is undertaken, and in 1997 featured the ‘Days of the Raj’ pavilion tea room with bedouin-tented ceiling. Concerts and performances are held at the Singing Theatre throughout the summer months.