7 of the best outdoor theatre in the UK in 2025
See top shows in top locations, this summer
There’s something extra special about watching theatre in the open air in the UK – whether it’s a balmy summer’s evening, or a rain-lashed one, it’s wonderful to see shows in some of our most beautiful locations.
From the purpose-built theatres such as London’s Regent’s Park and Shakespeare’s Globe, or Cornwall’s Minack, to summer-season specials in heritage sites around the country, if you’ve never packed a picnic, rug, brolly and your ticket, here are seven sensational shows worth seeing, in sites worth visiting.
Anne Boleyn the Musical, Hever Castle
The world premiere of Anne Boleyn the Musical will take places in the grounds of Hever Castle, her childhood home in Kent, from August 2-30. It will play in a specially constructed 1,800 seat outdoor auditorium and I can’t wait to see this.
Tickets on-sale here.
A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream, Nottingham Castle
It’s not a British summer if you haven’t watched A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream somewhere special, in the great outdoors. Three Inch Fools are touring it all over heritage sites from Nottingham Castle to Cawdor Castle. See the programme here. It’s in Nottingham, July 3.
Tickets on-sale here.
Les Miserables, The Minack Theatre
There’s nowhere quite as magical as The Minack Theatre, hewn out of the cliffside in Cornwall and if you are lucky enough to see a show here, you won’t forget it. There’s a full season all summer, but if you are there over half-term you can catch Les Misérables: Let the People Sing, UK amateur premiere, which sounds fun, from May 25 – 30.
For more info, visit minack.com.
The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth I, Fyvie Castle
This hysterical-historical comedy of the Tudors is also touring round heritage sites all summer, from Powis Castle and Garden to Corfe Castle. See the tour info here. It’s in the Scottish National Trust’s Fyvie Castle on July 4.
Tickets on-sale here.
Twelfth Night at Shakespeare’s Globe
It’s the most famous outdoor theatre in the UK and if you haven’t seen Shakespeare in the round – and outdoors – of London’s Shakespeare’s Globe, you haven’t experienced what his plays were really like. There’s a huge array of plays this summer, including my favourite, Twelfth Night, from August 8 – October 25.
For more info, visit shakespearesglobe.com
A Night at the Musicals, Gawsworth Hall
The Open Air Theatre in the Elizabeth Pleasure Garden of Cheshire’s 15th century Gawsworth Hall has been showing comedy, music, opera and drama since 1969. There’s a summer programme here, or catch A Night at the Musicals on July 26.
For more information, visit gawsworthhall.com.
Brigadoon, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Last summer, I went with my family to see a lovely performance of The Secret Garden in London’s gorgeous Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. It’s such a pretty spot and if you time it right weather-wise, a wonderful way to spend a few hours, with a picnic thrown in. This summer’s show is Brigadoon, running from August 2 – September 20.
Tickets on-sale here.