Brownsea Open Air Theatre 2018]] [[Image:BOAT-_Two_Gentlemen_Of_Verona.jpg|thumb|"Two Gentlemen Of Verona", 2016]] In 2019 BOAT are staging "[[Richard III (play)| "Richard III"]]". Future plans include "[[Romeo and Juliet (play)| "Romeo and Juliet"]]" in 2020, followed by "[[Twelfth Night (play)| "Twelfth Night"]]" and "[[Macbeth (play)| "Macbeth"]]". Former members of Brownsea Open Air Theatre who went on to appear in film, stage and/or television include the following: [[Category:Outdoor theatres]] [[Category:Theatres in Dorset]] [[Category:Poole]] 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
Brownsea Island Henry VIII recognised the island's strategic importance of guarding the narrow entrance to the expanding port of Poole. As part of a deterrent to invasion forces from Europe, the island was fortified in 1547 by means of a blockhouse, which became known as Brownsea Castle. In the following centuries, the island passed into the hands of a succession of various owners. In 1576, Queen Elizabeth I made a gift of Brownsea to one of her court favourites and rumoured lover, Sir Christopher Hatton. During the English Civil War, Poole sided with Parliament and garrisoned Brownsea Castle. Colonel Thomas Pride, the