They seek him here, they seek him there; but if you want to find The Scarlet Pimpernel he’s coming to Hedingham Castle.

East Anglian Daily Times: Boxtree Productions' Scarlett Pimpernel at Hedingham CastleBoxtree Productions' Scarlett Pimpernel at Hedingham Castle (Image: Archant)

Suffolk-based Boxtree Productions stop by on August 24 for a new open-air family musical adaptation of Baroness Orczy’s classic swashbuckling story. It follows successful performances of Around The World In 80 Days and The Three Musketeers.

It’s Paris 1792. Each day, scores of the French nobility are sent to the guillotine. Trapped in Paris, there are whispers of a league of young English gentlemen who are risking their lives to whisk aristocrats across the channel to safety.

They leave no trace behind except a note from the Scarlet Pimpernel. Mercilessly pursued by the ruthless spy Chauvelin, determined to stop the rescuers by fair means or foul, and desperately outnumbered, the Scarlet Pimpernel and his men must use all their wits to stay alive.

James Franklin, Co-founder of Boxtree Productions, invites you to join Marguerite on her quest to rescue the Scarlet Pimpernel from the clutches of the murderous French government.

East Anglian Daily Times: Boxtree Productions' Scarlett Pimpernel at Hedingham CastleBoxtree Productions' Scarlett Pimpernel at Hedingham Castle (Image: Archant)

“I like to tell good stories that will engage, enthral and excite audiences whatever the venue. I also want our shows to be great value for money so we strike a good relationship with our audiences and they look forward to seeing our shows year after year,” he says.

“This is a fantastic adventure story full of intrigue, excitement, romance and swordfights. We’re really looking forward to coming back to Hedingham Castle which is an impressive 900-year-old Norman keep set in acres of woodlands and landscaped gardens. We feel very proud to be a part of the castle’s events calendar.”

It’s an ideal setting. Built nearly 900 years ago in 1140 by Aubrey de Vere of Normandy, Hedingham Castle is the best preserved Norman castle in England. Through the centuries it has been besieged by King John, hosted King Henry VIII and served as the home of Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford and the man some believe to be none other than William Shakespeare.

Today the keep stands in 160 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland where the Lindsay family, descendants of the de Veres, still lives.

East Anglian Daily Times: Boxtree Productions' Scarlett Pimpernel at Hedingham CastleBoxtree Productions' Scarlett Pimpernel at Hedingham Castle (Image: Archant)

Fellow Boxtree founder Abigail Foreman has always had a passion for creating shows with high production values, adding: “Attention to detail is paramount. I like to create visually exciting and slick productions that all ages can enjoy.”

There will be original songs, spectacular swordfights, a little bit of romance and even pyrotechnics so there’s something whole family can enjoy.

Audiences are encouraged to arrive at least an hour before the 6pm start and to bring a blanket or low-backed chair and a picnic. The show will go-ahead regardless of the weather.