More than 400 years ago, 117 men, women and children sailed from Plymouth, England, in an attempt to settle on Roanoke Island. They vanished just two years later. The only clue left behind was the word “CROATOAN” carved in a tree. The Lost Colony is their story. This outdoor drama is the longest-standing Outer Banks attraction, celebrating its 81st season in 2018!
Written by Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony is performed summer nights by a company of more than 100 actors, dancers, singers and technicians in the historic outdoor Waterside Theater. Come see epic battles and Indian dances, experience the sorrow and heartbreak of tragedy and loss, witness the pageantry of the queen and her court, and celebrate the birth of Virginia Dare. There is music, laughter, romance and dance, and Outer Banks locals and visitors have loved it for 79 years. Seeing the play is a quintessential Outer Banks activity. An Outer Banks tradition and cultural treasure, The Lost Colony educates, enriches and entertains – don’t leave the Outer Banks until you see it.
The 2018 season runs from May 25 through August 22, Monday through Saturday nights at 7:45 p.m. Ticket prices range from $20 to $35, depending on seating, and are half-price for children ages 12 and younger, free for kids 5 and younger, and senior, military and AAA discounts are available. Ask about the VIP package at $45 per person. Advance reservations are recommended. For tickets call (252) 473-6000 or purchase online anytime. Backstage tours begin at 6:30 p.m. and cost $12.
On Thursday evenings before the show, The Lost Colony hosts a Royal Tea. Enjoy tea and take pictures with the Queen's Master of Ceremony, Sir Walter Raleigh and Queen Elizabeth. Tickets cost $12 and seating is limited.
Members of The Lost Colony cast and crew stage a fun children's show in The Sound Stage every summer. In 2018 the show will run from June 20 to August 16 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. The play is The Hunting of the Snark, a musical comedy about the voyage of an improbable crew searching for a mystical creature. Tickets cost $10, and children ages 2 and younger get in free.
Throughout the year, other events are presented at Waterside Theatre, including The Lost Colony Wine Festival. The second annual Lost Colony Wine Festival Grand Tasting will be held backstage on September 29, 2018. There's also Ghosts of The Lost Colony, introducing guests to a few spirits of Roanoke Island's past residents while exploring the mysteries of the historic park. It's held in late March and early April (March 26 to April 7 in 2018).
A trip to The Lost Colony also offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a Roanoke Island's restaurants, which are less crowded than the beach restaurants on summer nights.
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