The first A Palace House Christmas is now open for visits to Beaulieu with a 14ft pantomime dame, fantastical mummer creatures, life-size Pollock theatre and theatrical installations to tell the magical story of pantomime.
The new event was opened by Lord Montagu and Charlotte Lloyd Webber, who created the festive masterpiece with Adrian Lillie and their award-winning CLW Event Design team who have made Christmas magic at heritage properties across the UK.
A Palace House Christmas will open to visitors until Sunday 4th January (excluding Christmas Day).
Lord Montagu, who has written the guide to take visitors on their journey around Palace House, said:
“This year we’re doing something different. As you step into the ¬ front hall, imagine a troupe of players has taken over the house. They’re here to perform for my family over Christmas but, in their excitement, have left costumes, props, instruments and pantomime paraphernalia all over the place.
“The result is a visual history of pantomime, ¬from its origins in 16th century Italy with the commedia dell’arte, evolving through to the British traditions we still enjoy today with their larger-than-life Dame and heroic Principal Boy.”
Preview event guests were welcomed at the door by colourful Harlequin and Columbine mannequins, before ‘meeting’ pantomime animals in the Portrait Gallery, Pierrot and Pierrette in the Motor Bedroom and a larger-than-life panto dame with mirrored catwalk of principal boys in the Upper Drawing Room.
Charlotte Lloyd Webber said: “This is our first theatrical installation on the south coast and we are delighted to create it in the perfect backdrop of Palace House. We are especially pleased to use artwork by Lord Montagu’s mother and want visitors to be spellbound while they are trying to take everything in at A Palace House Christmas at Beaulieu.”
The stately rooms of Palace House are bedecked with stunning decorations, theatrical lighting and atmospheric soundscapes, as glamorous gowns, feathers and floristry fill dressing room boudoirs. While a travelling handcart is overspilling with props, costumes and musical instruments in the Fountain Courtyard, a midnight banquet is laid with sugary treats and jewel-themed glassware in the Dining Hall.
No Christmas at Beaulieu is complete without a Christmas tree and this year’s 22ft centrepiece is dressed in the Harlequin theme with over 2,000 decorations – and joined by a shocking pink faux creation, with twirls and clusters of jewelled fruits and gemstones. If you like the themed baubles and decorations, you can even take some home with you from the tempting range available in the Palace House gift shop.
To book your on or off-peak time slot to see A Palace House Christmas during your visit to Beaulieu, click here.
Your ticket includes entry to the National Motor Museum, new exhibitions Disney and Pixar Cars and We Had One Of Those, fun adventure playground Little Beaulieu, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, the Secret Army Exhibition, unlimited rides on the tree-top monorail and beautiful grounds and gardens.
Finish your tour with a tasty festive treat in Palace House courtyard, where bratwurst hotdogs, sausage rolls, mince pies and Christmas cake will be served as optional extras, with hot chocolate, mulled wine and cider.
Or complete your day out by booking a special festive afternoon tea in the historic abbey Domus, where a stand of delicious sandwiches, homemade cakes and scones will be brought to your table with a warming cup of tea or coffee and the option of a celebratory glass of Prosecco.