Holders celebrates the music of arguably the greatest of all classical composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, on the 250th anniversary of his birth. Featuring performances by two dazzling young British artists, violinist Chloe Hanslip, and pianist Charles Owen, together with soprano Natalia Dopwell and the Myriad Singers of Barbados directed by John Bryan.  James Mc Connell gives insight into Mozart’s life as he narrates this event.

Thursday 16 March Comedy Night - Garden 

One of Holders most popular nights – an evening of brilliant comedy with one of the funniest men on the international circuit, Boothby Graffoe - joined by special friend and sensational guitarist Antonio Forcione. 

“Wonderful, loveable, bitter-sweet, funny and endlessly delightful, life enchantingly gorgeous, wonderfully clever stuff. Go see Boothby!”

The overwhelming tragedy of the ‘star crossed lovers’ from feuding noble families. As so often, Shakespeare touches tragedy, tenderness and high comedy in telling a tale that still speaks to us today in volumes. A wonderful new co-production between the Arundel Festival and the Nuffield Theatre UK.

Just what the Holders Season is all about - two internationally recognised and exceptional musical combinations in the atmospheric setting of the Holders grounds. The true ‘world music’ combination from Italy, Brazil, Nigeria and Russia that is the five piece The Antonio Forcione Group and the gypsy jazz duo from eastern Europe, Mazaika. You will rarely see such musical virtuosity in one night on the same stage.

“The show is a both a musical master class and a breathtaking live experience.”

Tuesday 21 March - Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet – Garden 
A second performance of Shakespeare’s powerful drama.

Thursday 23 March – Live from the Met – Little Theatre

An evening of music from the world of opera brought to Holders by artists from one of the world’s greatest opera houses, the Metropolitan in New York.  Featuring soprano Annette Spann Lewis, tenor Raymond Aparentado and pianist Gints Berzins, the programme will include songs and arias by Puccini, Bizet, Strauss and Gershwin.

The evening will conclude with a special late evening bonus set from musicians performing at the “Music of the World” performance.

Saturday 25 March Holders’ Family Saturday- Garden

Following the great success of the first family event in 2004, the Holders season presents a ‘best of the Season’ event for the family audience; music, poetry, workshops, comedy and circus performers. A non-stop 3 hours of varied entertainment including workshops and participatory sessions. Featuring madcap performers Aerizani, and singer Jude Simpson with other musical and speciality acts to be announced.

Please note that this event runs between 5:30pm 8:30pm.

Saturday 25 March     Pinter’s Plays Poetry and Prose – Gallery  

A hugely prestigious addition to the Holders Calendar, top actors brought together by one of Europe’s leading venues – Dublin’s Gate Theatre – present an evening celebrating the 75^th anniversary of Nobel laureate and one of the theatre’s great writers, Harold Pinter.  We welcome to Holders, Imogen Stubbs, Anthony Calf, Carl Proctor and Alphonsia Emmanuel.

Please note that this event begins at 9:30pm and is preceded by dinner on the Holders Gallery at 8pm.

Two extraordinary performers on one night. Joanna MacGregor is one of the world’s best known and exciting pianists, dividing her time between playing classical, jazz and contemporary music.  For holders she plays Bach Mozart and music from both North and South America. Ben Waters is a complete one-off boogie-woogie and blues pianist; a high energy performer with a unique sense of fun. Both give compelling solo performances before coming together for a most extraordinary, high energy piano dual. Charismatic saxophonist Heather Hoyle also joins the mix. 

Wednesday 29 March  Shakespeare’s Villains – Garden 

Renowned throughout the world as actor, writer and director, Steven Berkoff is known to many for the villains he has played in mainstream films – Octopussy, Beverley Hills Cop, Rambo and The Krays.  Commanding the stage with a remarkable presence Berkoff presents his remarkable exploration of Shakespeare’s most villainous characters who are Iago, the Macbeths, Shylock, and Richard III…. Characters that are inherently evil, others whose situation leads them to evil deeds, others at the mercy of an evil society. Incisive insights and brilliant theatre from one of the UK’s most formidable and maverick talents.

“Berkoff once more commands the stage with his formidable talent.”

Movin’ Melvin Brown is “the last of the great song and dance men” and his show the perfect pick up. Having performed alongside Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson and James Brown, Melvin brings all of these to the party and more in an autobiographical show of incredible energy and humour. Preceded by the music of blues maestro Chris Jagger. You may recognise the name… 

“Melvin’ has a voice that perfectly mimics Ray Charles, he tap dances and does James Brown moves. An absorbing storyteller.”

Holders’ traditional and popular gala picnic finale – the two hours of top flight international entertainment divided by a relaxed picnic break includes a variety of performances including the remarkable pianist Joanna MacGregor, internationally renowned operatic tenor Alfred Boe, and cabaret from Movin’ Melvin Brown.  Also featuring country singer Billy Joe Shaver and his band. Look out for performances during the supper interval.

Including performances by The Royal Barbados Police Force Band, The Dixieland Jazz Band, and Andre Woodvine.  There will also be a Chinese Auction.

Tuesday April 4^th - Redemption - The Musical – Garden 

A brand new musical by Barbadian Alvin “Boots” Cummins directed by Trinidadian Carol Lachapelle. A classic love story set in the world of ballet and dance. 

Please note that the date for this performance has yet to be confirmed.