The gift of a magical experience at Caravan Farm Theatre in Armstrong

Some of the best Christmas presents do not come wrapped in ribbons and bows, instead they are gifts to be experienced.

Residents in Kamloops and the Okanagan are a drive away from a world class outdoor theatre production located on an 80-acre farm in Armstrong.

Caravan Farm Theatre is performing A Midwinter Night’s Dream this holiday season, a playful interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

“I’ve never done anything like this, I don’t think there is anything near us that comes close to it, it’s amazing,” said Edmonton resident Debbie White who’s in Armstrong visiting family for the holidays.

The hour-long performance has guests weaving through fields and forests on horse-drawn sleds while the tale is told and live actors perform scenes in stunning costumes under glimmering lights.

“You come through the gate to a waiting area with firepits and places for photo opportunities, then you walk up a hill and gather at a circular stage,” White said. “You get on your wagon and follow paths through huge trees and there are stages set up. It gets dark and all the buggies have a coach light on them, it’s magical and the costumes were amazing.”  

The show follows the misadventures of a royal court of fairies and a group of actors that encounter each other in the woods and includes poetry, comedy and music. Following the performance, guests can get locally made treats including hot cider and peach brandy at a concession and visit the horses.

Located at 4886 Salmon River Road, the winter sleigh ride show has pulled artists and audiences from scene to scene for more than three decades. Established in 1978, Caravan Farm Theatre is a world leader in large-scale outdoor theatre production.

Artistic director Estelle Shook said productions take more than a year to put together, starting with engaging the team and having conversations around the sets, costumes and the style of the performances.

“We hire our actors a year before hand so they can organize their lives because it’s two months of being away from their families and homes,” she said. “Once everyone arrives onsite it takes one month of rehearsal and putting the show together.”

When asked what the team brings to audiences, Shook said it’s the feeling of enchantment and community.

“We bring together so many elements of music, poetry and performance, and beautiful imagery,” she said. “There are horses and the smell of fires and the night sky, plus guests are often with friends or family. We bring that all together and the whole package creates one powerful feeling.”

White described the performance as special and recommends the experience for a Christmas gift. She suggests bringing a blanket and umbrella to the show.

The production runs at varied evening times on most days of the week until Jan. 4. Go here for the schedule and tickets for A Midwinter Night’s Dream.