There’s something we Brits love about outdoor entertainment – maybe it’s that we all want to make the most of the bright summer weather while it’s still here! Either way, there is perhaps no more magical setting for watching a play or enjoying one of your favourite movies than the open air.
Whether you’re planning your next trip or looking for some inspiration for things to do before the summer hols, here are some of the best outdoor cinemas and theatres you should visit this year.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London
Nestled in the heart of London, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1932, and it is Britain’s oldest professional outdoor theatre.
Over its 18-week summer run, the theatre will be putting on plays, musicals, and performances for all ages. For 2023, the run has included The Tempest re-imagined for everyone aged six and over, bringing Shakespeare’s classic play to life for younger viewers and an epic retelling of one of the UK’s most famous outlaws in Robin Hood: The Legend, Re-written. Until early September, there’s still time to catch Dinosaur World Live – a thrilling Jurassic adventure that’s sure to delight the whole family with extremely life-like dinosaur puppets.
The stage and seating areas are completely uncovered, so if there happens to be rain the play may be paused and on very rare occasions cancelled.
The Minack Theatre, Cornwall
Perched on the side of the cliffs of Penzance, the Minack Theatre is a spectacular sight to behold and is visited by over 250,000 people each year.
Towards the end of August and into September, the Minack will be showing The Scottish Play, a comical retelling of, well, Shakespeare’s quintessentially Scottish tragedy, Macbeth. Meanwhile, Tom’s Midnight Garden – an enchanting adaptation of the classic tale – is perfect for families. Or if you are more musically inclined, the Tony-winning Evita will also be showing.
When there isn’t a performance, the Minack Theatre is open to visits, so you can explore this fascinating venue independently or as part of a guided tour. It is recommended, however, that you book in advance to secure a time slot.
Brighton Open Air Theatre, Brighton
More informally known as BOAT, the Brighton Open Air Theatre is set in scenic parkland and hosts a huge variety of performances from music to dance, opera, circus, and family entertainment. This September, you can check out Stand-up Under the Stars for an evening of comedy with some of the UK’s top comics. Or if you’re feeling more glamourous,
Drag in the Park will also be performing its last show of the summer season.
Again, the area is entirely uncovered, and performances are only cancelled if the weather is considered a danger to the performers or audience. So, it’s a good idea to pack yourself a designer umbrella to keep yourself protected should you get caught in a shower.
Shakespeare’s Globe, London
We couldn’t make this list without mentioning the iconic Globe Theatre, set on the banks of the river Thames in central London. Famous for its performances of Shakespeare’s plays, the original Globe Theatre was opened on the site in 1599. While the original is long since gone,
the Globe that stands today was opened in 1997 by Queen Elizabeth II after decades of campaigning and construction.
It’s a piece of British history and a testament to our love for outdoor theatre – one that you shouldn’t miss! Over this summer, you’ll be able to see performances of some of Shakespeare’s most famous works including Macbeth and As You Like It. And if you’re interested in the history of the site, guided tours are also available to book.
The Luna Cinema, various
The Luna Cinema is a touring outdoor cinema where you can watch everything from classics and cult favourites to recent blockbusters. There are screenings at various locations up and down the country, so it’s great if you don’t want to travel a long way to get there. This summer, locations for the Luna Cinema include York Minster, Warwick Castle, and Kew Gardens.
If you want to watch your favourite movie against the beautiful and dramatic backdrops of country estates, lush gardens, imposing castles and more, this is definitely one for you to check out.
Adventure Cinema, Various
Another touring cinema that pops up at various locations including Clevedon Hall in Clevedon, Erddig just outside of Wrexham, Castle Howard in York, and Upton Country Park in Poole. This summer Adventure Cinema is hosting over 250 showings of crowd-pleasing flicks including Elvis, Mamma Mia, and Top Gun: Maverick.
While premium tickets come with a deckchair and a prime spot, you’ll usually need to pack your own blankets, camping chairs, and picnics to tuck into while you watch the film. Perfect for a more laid-back cinema experience.
Rooftop Film Club, London
As the name suggests, this is an open-air cinema that is located atop various London buildings. Currently, the Rooftop Film Club has showings over the summer at the Bussey Building in Peckham and Roof East in Stratford.
Every location comes complete with food menus, snacks, a full bar, and adjustable deckchair seating for a cinema experience with a touch of luxury. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy a bit of movie magic while overlooking one of the most recognisable skylines in the world.
There’s still plenty of time to catch an afternoon or evening of entertainment under the summer sun. So, whether you want to sing your heart out at a musical, relish in one of Shakespeare's tragedies or just experience entertainment against a stunning backdrop, there’s a lot to discover in the outdoors this summer.
Sources
https://openairtheatre.com/history
https://openairtheatre.com/about
https://www.minack.com/our-story/living-theatre
https://www.brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk/
https://www.brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk/event/stand-up-under-the-stars-5/
https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/
https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/discover/about-us/globe-theatre/#history
https://www.thelunacinema.com/
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