Wild Will Theatre brings inspirational outdoor performances for South Devon: ambulatory, immersive and truly unforgettable...
ITV came down to the Jerusalem set on opening night, 8th April 2026, to do a live piece on the show, interviewing Rob Heyland, Director, Dave Fardon, Lead Actor and Maia Phippen, Actor.
The people and supporters that makes a difference.
Straight away I was immersed into a community that thrived off of an infectious atmosphere of fun and creativity, rehearsing and performing in a beautiful environment that gave us a natural scenery that transcended our storytelling.
Wild Will Theatre Company is proud to announce that Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons has become the Patron of the Devon-based community theatre company, in a major endorsement of its unique artistic vision and exceptional quality.
Before I started working with Rob and Wild Will, I was in a bit of a rough patch. After leaving university, I felt completely unsure of where I was heading. I knew I wanted to work in the Art Department—building and dressing sets has always been a dream—but I’d lost confidence in myself and in my ability to make that dream a reality.
Then I joined Wild Will, and everything changed.
Rob has been one of the most influential people I’ve met in terms of encouraging my passion for acting.
WILD WILL THEATRE COMPANY
Wild Will is a vibrant community-run theatre company based in South Devon, dedicated to making the magic of theatre accessible to everyone. Our mission is to engage audiences with the works of Shakespeare and other playwrights, ancient and modern, through our enchanting outdoor performances and outreach programs. We aim to inspire the next generation of theatre-goers, fostering a love for the arts while showcasing the talents of our dynamic and enthusiastic team.
Our strength lies in our volunteers, who bring diverse skills and experiences to each production. Whether seasoned professionals or enthusiastic newcomers, everyone plays a vital role in creating our shows. Join us as we blend creativity, community spirit, and passion for theatre in every performance we stage.
The productions serve the local community and the surrounding areas and have a wide-reaching reputation for being high quality performances. The shows I have seen have been enlightening, deeply memorable and impressive.
The shared journey of bringing the plays to life permeates the community and it feels like almost everyone in the area gets involved in some small way.
Dr Sharon Smith, senior lecturer at Plymouth Marjon University where she runs an MA in Experimental Theatre Practice
Wild Will invites everyone to take part in our vibrant theatre community. Whether you are interested in acting, assisting backstage, or contributing in other ways, your involvement helps us create unforgettable experiences. We encourage individuals of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels to join us and share the magic of theatre.
We are also reliant on corporate sponsorship and donations to help keep ticket prices affordable for young people and to fund educational outreach.
VOLUNTEER SPONSORSHIP FRIENDS OF WILD WILL
Wild Will is made up of a wonderfully diverse group of volunteers from the South West Devon area, each bringing their own unique background and experience to the party.
Our passionate and talented performers range from experienced amateurs from the Holbeton and Modbury Players, through those who have never acted before, students from local schools and sometimes even the odd Hollywood A-lister. We come together with a shared love of the arts, a commitment to supporting the community and having fun. The variety of skills and perspectives within our group creates an inclusive, dynamic atmosphere where creativity thrives and everyone’s contribution is valued.
Our director Rob Heyland has had an extensive acting career including working with the Royal Shakespeare Company, script writing and running theatre companies including the New End Theatre in Hampstead.
Our amazing production team volunteers bring a wealth of experience that they have gained through their professional careers. These old hands happily mentor new volunteers from university, colleges and local schools. We have stage managers who have worked with the likes of the Theatre Royal Plymouth to Ridley Scott.
Through working together on Wild WIll productions we offer opportunities to learn new skills in stage productions and sound and lighting design.
The volunteers of the front of house team run the licenced bar and food, ticket and progaramme sales, and anything generally helping the audiences.
By volunteering with us you’ll not only gain experience in the world of theatre but also become part of a supportive network that shares a passion for the arts. Through various roles, you can help us inspire audiences and create memorable performances. Join us in our mission to make theatre accessible and enjoyable for everyone!
We are inclusive and have a range of skills and people coming together to put on our productions.
Our outreach work expands opportunities for engaging with Shakespeare and the arts through school visits and community events. We highlight the importance of accessibility in our productions by offering subsidised tickets to ensure everyone can enjoy the transformative power of theatre.
Complimentary tickets are available for qualifying teachers.
We have been able to make many audiences delight in live, outdoor theatre. Check out our upcoming shows.
Wild Will Theatre Company is a community-run theatre group based in South Devon. We specialise in immersive outdoor performances of both classical and contemporary plays, aiming to make theatre accessible and engaging for all audiences. Our productions often take place in unique settings, such as the gardens of Mothecombe House, providing a memorable experience for attendees.