Brownsea Open Air Theatre Brownsea Open Air Theatre Brownsea Open Air Theatre (commonly abbreviated B.O.A.T) is an open-air Shakespearian theatre company based in Poole, Dorset that have performed large theatrical productions since 1964. Annually performing a play from the extensive works of William Shakespeare for three weeks in July and August, the production is set on the National Trust's Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour with boats transporting patrons to the island from Poole Quay. Recent productions include "Hamlet", "The Taming Of The Shrew", "Julius Caesar" and "Love's Labour's Lost". In 2013 their 50th Season was celebrated with "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Pericles", followed
Brownsea Island and the flags of the Scout and Girl Guide movements line either side of the main altar. After falling heavily into debt the Waughs fled to Spain. The island was acquired by creditors and sold in 1873 to George Cavendish-Bentinck, who added Jersey cows to Brownsea and expanded the island's agriculture. He filled the island with several Italian renaissance sculptures, some of which still decorate the church and the quay. The 1881 census recorded a total population of 270 people on the island, the majority of whom provided a labour force for the pottery works. After his death, the island