Outdoor theatre in the South West
Come and experience a theatre, cinema or music performance in the great outdoors this summer, with plenty of shows to choose from across the South West. Bring the whole family, a picnic blanket and some popcorn and settle down to watch the show with nature and perhaps a historic house as your backdrop. Browse our programme of shows and find your nearest performance.
Cornwall
'The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck' at Trelissick
New for 2024, Quantum Theatre presents a delightful adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s much-loved tale- The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck.
'Beauty and the Beast' at Trelissick
Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer for a brand-new telling of this classic fairy tale, perfect for all the family.
'Love Riot' at Trelissick
Step into a world of etiquette, scandal and matchmaking, with this fresh new take on an 18th century rom-com from Cornwall’s Miracle Theatre.
'Love Riot' at Trerice
Step into a world of etiquette, scandal and matchmaking, with this fresh new take on an 18th century rom-com from Cornwall’s Miracle Theatre.
'If music be the food of love' at Cotehele (music event)
Join us for an enchanting evening of music as The Callington Singers fill the Barn Café with songs of the English Renaissance.
Devon
'Hamlet' at Killerton
Killerton are pleased to host The Lord Chamberlain’s Men as they invite you to join them this summer for the timeless story of Hamlet.
'The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle' at Killerton
Join Illyria Theatre this summer on the lawn for this much-loved, funny and exciting family adventure of Doctor Dolittle.
'The Gondoliers' at Killerton
Join Illyria Theatre for an enchanting rendition of The Gondoliers by Gilbert and Sullivan, that promises an evening of laughter, music and pure entertainment.
'The Hound of the Baskervilles' at Killerton
Join Illyria Theatre for their retelling of the famous Sherlock Homes adventure: The Hound of the Baskervilles. The original and greatest literary detective of them all, Sherlock Holmes, and his assistant Doctor Watson, tackle the most baffling case of their careers in this cheeky but chilling adaptation.
'A Murder in the Garden' at Arlington Court
Join us on the lawn for this open-air theatre performance by Calf 2 Cow Theatre. When a body is mysteriously found lying in the middle of Landsdown Manor Gardens, the police have no option but to call on Sherlock Holmes. With his loyal assistant Watson, our nation’s top detective duo battles through baddies and villains to discover who is behind the murder in the garden.
'Pride & Prejudice' at Arlington Court
Join us on the lawn for this open-air theatre performance by Hotbuckle Productions of Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice'. Hotbuckle are renown for their fast-paced, multi-role playing adaptations which cross age and gender traditions, and in their latest offering Hotbuckle invites us to enter the world of The Bennets.
'Little Women' at Arlington Court
Join us on the lawn for this open-air theatre performance by Chapterhouse of Louisa May Alcott's 'Little Women'. This summer, meet headstrong Jo March and her sisters Meg, Amy, and Beth. Each sister is determined to pursue her own path in life, but though their dreams may be different, their family ties remain as true as ever.
'The Merry Wives of Windsor' at Arlington Court
Join us on the lawn for this open-air theatre Shakespeare performance by The Pantaloons. Sir John Falstaff, everyone's favourite Shakespearean sleazeball, has fallen on hard times. In order to fix his finances he plans to seduce the wives of two wealthy merchants. But, wise to his wily ways, the ladies take the opportunity to punish Falstaff by playing a series of hilarious tricks on the nincompoop knight.
'The Secret Diary of Henry VIII' at Arlington Court
The Three Inch Fools present an essential guide on how to keep your head in the Tudor Court. Unexpectedly thrust into the limelight, young Henry navigates the ups and downs of courtly life, and all whilst fighting the French (again) and re-writing religion.
Dorset
'The Hound of the Baskervilles' at Corfe Castle
Sherlock Holmes tackles the most baffling case of his career in this cheeky but chilling adaptation. Performed in the great outdoors by Illyria, prepare for an evening of mystery and things that go ‘grrrr’ in the night!
'The Tale of Jemima Puddle-duck' at Corfe Castle
Join Quantum Theatre this summer in the ruins of Corfe Castle as they present a delightful new adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s much-loved tale- The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck.
'Romeo and Juliet' at Corfe Castle
Two wealthy families, the Montagues and the Capulets, are at war. But when Romeo (Montague’s son) meets Juliet (Capulet’s daughter) everything changes. The pair fall into a forbidden love with devastating consequences. Performed by Illyria in the great outdoors at Corfe Castle.
'The Secret Diary of Henry VIII' at Corfe Castle
Join The Three Inch Fools this summer in the ruins of Corfe Castle as they hit the road with this brand new comedy - a mad-capped take on Britain’s most epic monarch, and those infamous wives.
'Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone' at Corfe Castle (outdoor cinema)
Join Purbeck Film Festival in the historic ruins of Corfe Castle for a night under the stars and enjoy a movie classic.
'Wonka' at Corfe Castle (outdoor cinema)
Join Purbeck Film Festival in the historic ruins of Corfe Castle for a night under the stars. Put on your top hat, fetch your walking stick, and join us for a chocolate-themed summer evening!
'Macbeth' on Brownsea Island
Double, double, toil and trouble. Double ambition, double manipulation, toil for revenge, trouble from sinister supernatural forces. The rise and fall of King Macbeth of Scotland will be brought to life for you on Brownsea Island by the Brownsea Open Air Theatre Company.
'As You Like It' at Kingston Lacy
When Rosalind is banished from Duke Ferdinand’s court, new identities are explored with hilarious consequences. Music, mayhem and madness thrill as we are shown that 'All the world’s a stage'. Brought to you by the Duke's Theatre Company.
'Hamlet' at Kingston Lacy
Driven to distraction by the grief of his father’s death and the path that lies ahead of him, Hamlet is forced to confront his deepest fears and in doing so questions himself, those around him and the very nature of existence. The Lord Chamberlain's Men present this play as Shakespeare himself would have first seen it, in the open air, with an all male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.
'Doctor Dolittle' at Kingston Lacy
Illyria is back! This summer, the award-winning company presents Doctor Dolittle, a timeless classic for the whole family. Pack a picnic and a chair or blanket, and come along to a magical evening of entertainment.
Somerset
'The importance of being Earnest' at Barrington Court
Everybody loves Ernest. In fact, Cecily and Gwendolen are both engaged to Ernest. The only trouble is, he doesn’t exist. Or does he…? The Pantaloons infuse Oscar Wilde’s witty words with snappy new songs and frantically funny physical theatre to give this popular play a hilarious contemporary twist.
'Here Be Dragons' at Barrington Court
'Here Be Dragons', presented by the Taunton Thespians, is a series of Somerset folklore tales that tells the stories of the wonderful creatures to be 'found' around the county. A wonderful evening of outdoor theatre set in the beautiful grounds of Barrington Court.
'The Merry Wives of Windsor' at Montacute House
Sir John Falstaff, everyone's favourite Shakespearean sleazeball, has fallen on hard times. In order to fix his finances he plans to seduce the wives of two wealthy merchants. But, wise to his wily ways, the ladies take the opportunity to punish Falstaff by playing a series of hilarious tricks on the nincompoop knight. Shakespearean fun and frolics presented by The Pantaloons in the gorgeous garden at Montacute House.
Opera Evening at Dunster Castle (music event)
Wild Arts bring their signature opera evening to the beautiful gardens at Dunster Castle. Bring your picnics and enjoy a magical summer's evening of opera highlights. The show is a love story built around your favourite opera classics, arranged into 75 minutes of musical heaven. All sung by the stars of tomorrow and played by a stunning string quintet.
'Hamlet' at Tyntesfield
Join The Lord Chamberlain’s Men this summer, in their 20th year, for Hamlet, arguably the greatest play in the English language. With a history stretching back to William Shakespeare’s original company, they present this great play as he first saw it – in the open air, with an all male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.
'Thirteenth Night: Malvolio’s Revenge' at Fyne Court
Set one year after the events of Shakespeare’s classic comedy Twelfth Night, this original sequel imagines what happens when Malvolio makes good on his threat and comes back to take his revenge. Experience this new Shakespeare adaptation at Fyne Court, presented by British Touring Shakespeare.
'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at Fyne Court
The woods outside Athens are busy this night and four young Athenian lovers are lost. Oberon and Titania, the king and queen of the fairy-folk, are quarrelling whilst a group of craftsmen (who also happen to be some not-so-very-talented actors) are meeting in secret to rehearse their play. With its many parts, Shakespeare's story of love, mistaken identity and magic is a firm favourite and is performed at Fyne Court by
'The Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde' at Fyne Court
When the police investigation into the brutal murder of Sir Danvers Carew fails to yield anything other than the name of a suspect who seems to have disappeared, his daughter Cordelia joins forces with her late father’s lawyer Gabriel Utterson to try and uncover the truth. But where is the sinister Edward Hyde and what is his connection to Utterson’s friend Dr Henry Jekyll? Presented by British Touring Shakespeare.
'Barbie' at Fyne Court (outdoor cinema)
Join us for a cinematic experience in the grounds of Fyne Court, bring blankets, seats and pillows and snuggle up outside to jump into the world of Barbie, staring Margo Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
'Wonka' at Fyne Court (outdoor cinema)
Get enchanted by Timothee Chalamet and join him on a journey of friends, adventure and chocolate.
'Grease' at Fyne Court (outdoor cinema)
Join us for a musical classic on a Sunday night, sing along and enjoy the moment with this 70s classic.
Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds
'Hamlet' at Dyrham Park
The Lord Chamberlain's Men present this great play as Shakespeare first saw it, in the open air, with an all male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. It's described as 'Thrilling, moving and deeply human this stunning play seeks answers to life’s biggest questions and, in doing so, holds up a mirror to all our natures'.
'Importance of Being Earnest' at Newark Park
Everybody loves Ernest. In fact, Cecily and Gwendolen are both engaged to Ernest. The only trouble is, he doesn’t exist. Or does he…? Best friends Jack and Algy have both created alter-egos to win the affections of their beloveds; but when will they stop being Ernest and start being, well, earnest? Presented by The Pantaloons in the grounds of Newark Park.
'Robin Hood' at Newark Park
Join Robin, Marian and the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest for a hilariously adventurous take on the timeless tales of everyone’s favourite archer. Presented by The Pantaloons in the grounds of Newark Park.
'Twelfth Night' at Snowshill Manor
A small band of players take many parts in this tale of mistaken identity. Unrequited love, drunken jollity, live music, yellow stockings and a fight, make for the most entertaining of nights. Join Jenny Wren Productions for some fun in the open-air, under “the glorious sun”.
'The Comedy of Errors' at Tinkley Gate, Woodchester Park
The Three Inch Fools present Shakespeare’s shortest - and wildest - comedy. The clock is ticking, as the Fools rush to untangle one almighty mess in this farcical tale of long-lost twins, hysterical misunderstandings, and endless mishaps. A joyous take on this Shakespearean rib-tickler.
Wiltshire
'Fairytale theatre' at Avebury
Special guests Tall Tales will be singing and performing some favourite classic tales in the colourfully decorated dovecote. The whole family can get involved in these playful performances of stories including The Ugly Duckling, The Three Little Pigs, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Specially designed to engage and inspire young audiences.
'Beauty and the Beast' at Lacock
When an arrogant prince is cursed to live as a hideous beast, his only hope is a kindly young woman in search of a rose. Presented with lively original music and sparkling humour, Chapterhouse Theatre Company’s rollicking new adaptation of Beauty and the Beast is perfect for all the family.
'Beauty and the Beast' at Stourhead
Chapter House Theatre Company will be performing the classic production of Beauty and the Beast. Bring a picnic and join us on the West Lawn at the back of Stourhead House for an enjoyable evening under the stars.
'Little Women' at Stourhead
Picnic in the garden and enjoy a night of magical theatre under the stars, as Chapter House Theatre Company perform the classic production of Little Women.
'Pride and Prejudice' at Stourhead
Chapter House Theatre Company will be performing classic production of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Bring a picnic and join us on the West Lawn at the back of Stourhead House for a night of magical theatre under the stars.