6 Outdoor Theatre Shows To Book This Summer
The summer theatre season is near, and we have the full list of your must-hit shows. Rather than visiting the old theatre hall, book an alfresco theatre experience instead. From the classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream to a reimagining of the beloved musical Cats, we’ve rounded up the six best open-air, outdoor theatre performances going on this summer.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Few plays lend themselves better to an open-air stage than Shakespeare’s whimsical comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and this summer, a new production of the iconic tale will be coming to Regent’s Park.
This retelling, directed by Atri Banerjee, invites audiences to experience the famed playwright’s most spellbinding comedy come to life in a truly magical outdoor setting.
Few plays lend themselves better to an open-air stage than Shakespeare’s whimsical comedy.
When: 10 June – 18 July
Where: The Regent’s Park, Inner Cir, London NW1 4NU
Book here
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Opera Holland Park
First seen al fresco in 2013, Will Todd and Maggie Gottlieb’s adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland returns to Opera Holland Park this June.
The play reimagines Carroll’s beloved classic as a family visit to a pet shop that takes an unexpected turn when Alice encounters a talking rabbit. Expect to see all your favourite characters, from the Madhatter to the Cheshire Cat, in this refreshing, musical adaptation of Alice’s adventures.
When: 19 June – 27 June
Where: Opera Holland Park Theatre, Ilchester Pl, London W8 6LU
Book here
Much Ado About Nothing, The Globe
Another unmissable Shakespearean billing: this June, Much Ado About Nothing will return to The Globe’s summer programme. Under Chelsea Walker’s direction, the romantic comedy promises an unfiltered look at bad behaviour, second chances, and recovering from old wounds.
Shakespeare’s beloved romantic comedy will be returning to the Globe this summer.
Staged within the iconic grounds of Shakespeare’s Globe, there are few better places to catch outdoor theatre in London this summer.
When: 11 June – 24 October
Where: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
Book here
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival
Experience the height of outdoor performance this summer at the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF). As London’s leading celebration of free street theatre and art, it offers an unparalleled sanctuary for any theatre enthusiast.
Throughout the festival, it delivers an ambitious programme of production and commissions in a bid to break new ground for outdoor arts in the UK.
When: 23 August – 8 September
Where: Venues across Southeast London
Cats, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
For those looking to add a musical to their summer itinerary, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre will also be staging an outdoor production of Cats from July through to September.
Witness a bold new retelling of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary masterpiece, staged beneath the stars in the immersive surroundings of Regent’s Park.
Witness a bold new retelling of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary masterpiece, staged beneath the stars in the immersive surroundings of Regent’s Park.
When: 25 July – 12 September
Where: The Regent’s Park, Inner Cir, London NW1 4NU
Book here
Mother Courage and Her Children, The Globe
In addition to its various Shakespearean billings, The Globe will stage a production of Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children throughout May and June.
This marks a first for the theatre, which is yet to stage the playwright’s revolutionary work. This new production of Brecht’s seminal anti-war play promises to be filled with “live music, biting humour and raw determination.”
When: 7 May – 27 June
Where: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
Book here
