In the short time since the government announced that theatre can resume outdoors, there has been an absolute explosion of exciting announcements about open air entertainment. In this guide, we’ll be rounding up what’s on for families across the UK. We’ll keep adding to it as new shows are announced, so keep checking back to find al fresco entertainment near you. (For those in London, we also have a great discount code for a show coming up at Iris Theatre Summer Festival on 20 August! Check it out below.)
To make it easier to navigate, we’ve divided the guide geographically. (If your local venue is missing from the list, and you know of something going on, please get in touch. Likewise, if you have a show to shout about, we want to hear about it!)
London
South East
South West
East
West
Midlands
North East
North West
Scotland
Northern Ireland
London
The New Normal Festival: 3 – 31 August
The New Normal Festival is a celebration of theatre, music, improvisation, magic, comedy and more, all hosted by Le Gothique at the The Royal Victoria Patriotic Building in Wandsworth, London. The impressive line-up includes several family friendly productions. Catch the masters of musical improvisation The Showstoppers in their child-friendly (but every bit as funny) version The Showstoppers’ Kids Show (15 August) and laugh out loud at top class comedy acts (without the rude bits) from Comedy Club 4 Kids (16 August). What’s the big deal about Shakespeare? Join The Globe Players for family friendly Shakespeare The Play’s The Thing (22 – 23 August) and find out why we’re still obsessed with him, 400 years after he died.
Find out more and book tickets at https://newnormalfest.co.uk/
Iris Theatre Summer Festival: 14 – 29 August
Iris Theatre in Covent Garden is putting on an outdoor celebration of live performance this August in the gardens of the Actors’ Church. The festival brings together some of the most exciting break-out artists and companies, sharing an eclectic mixture of events. They also have the cutest name we’ve come across for a socially distanced space (a Bubble Bench!) Family shows includeDear Peter (14-15 August), a dark comedy (with age guidance ‘PG’) about growing up, inspired by Peter Pan and written and performed by Evangeline Dickson, and Fiona & The Fox, a story for ages 5-11 from Wild Geese Theatre about a city kid with an unusual pet (19-20 August).
For full listings and tickets see: https://iristheatre.com/event/iris-theatres-summer-festival/
*Fiona & The Fox DISCOUNT CODE* Use code ‘wildgeese’ to get a 50% discount on a Bubble Bench (original price £25 – new price £12.50 per bench) on 20 August, which will allow access for 1 adult and 2 children.
Little Angel Theatre Puppet Picnic: 24 August – 3 September
Little Angel Theatre have been putting out puppetry magic online throughout lockdown and now they’re back with an outdoor festival featuring puppets and picnics! Join them in Islington Square for a revival of their adaptation of The Slightly Annoying Elephant (24-26 August, 1-3 September) plus catch Don Quixote (27 August) and Arbor the Tree (31 August) from artists Seb Mayer and Smoking Apples. There will also be some seriously exciting looking roaming puppets in The Cloud Travellers from puppet maker Judith Hope (25 August and 1 September). Little Angel have also partnered with local businesses Maggie & Rose and Megan’s to offer picnics to eat while you watch. For more information and tickets head to: https://littleangeltheatre.com/schools-and-community/puppet-picnic/puppet-picnic-important-information/
Tubine on the Jetty: 26 August – 19 September
The Turbine Theatre in Battersea has announced an exciting programme of outdoor theatre presented on a jetty next to the iconic Battersea Power Station. There is plenty for the whole family to enjoy, including a chance to catch the touring production of Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain (26 August). FacePlant Theatre are also bringing back their acclaimed family production One Duck Down (30 August), an ocean adventure based on a true story about 7,000 rubber ducks. We’ve heard great things about this show but always manage to miss it when it’s on near us, and the same has happened once again this time (because we’ve already filled the Bank Holiday weekend with family shows!) There’s more family friendly entertainment in September with Aesop‘s Fables (9 September) and a summer pirate pantomine, Black Sails (12 September). For older children (12+) we would also thoroughly recommend Showstopper! The Improvised Musical (17 September).
For the full programme and to buy tickets head to: https://www.theturbinetheatre.com/whats-on
Greenwich & Docklands International Festival: 28 August – 12 September
GDIF returns in August, albeit in a scaled back form. To ensure the festival safe and enjoyable for everyone, the programme has been adapted to prioritise the safety and well-being of artists and audiences. GDIF 2020 will incorporate a programme of uplifting installations and outdoor arts presented locally on people’s doorsteps, celebrating local places and togetherness following a summer of isolation.
Installations running over several days celebrating the NHS, togetherness, and the environment will ensure that audiences can visit at staggered times with plenty of space for social distancing. A new initiative, entitled On Your Doorstep, will bring a carefully curated programme of family-friendly circus and street theatre to the heart of communities in Greenwich, Greenwich Peninsula, Woolwich Common Estate, Woolwich Arsenal, Thamesmead, Plumstead, and Eltham. Dancing City, the annual outdoor dance programme at Canary Wharf also returns this year, reinvented with safe-distancing integrated into the performances and audience experience.
The programme will also include exciting larger-scale outdoor theatre pieces, with reduced capacities and ticketed entry to ensure that the festival experience is a safe and enjoyable one for everyone. Find out more and book here: https://festival.org/gdif/whatson/
Alice In Wonderland (Let’s All Dance) in various Greenwich Parks: August
Family ballet specialists Let’s All Dance are bringing their production of Alice in Wonderland to five different parks across the Royal Borough of Greenwich this August (and hope to tour it further across the country soon).
The venues currently confirmed are:
East Greenwich Pleasaunce: Friday 7th August
Abbeywood Park: Sunday 9th August
Charlton Park: Saturday 15th August
Avery Hill Park: Sunday 16th August
Plumstead Gardens: Monday 17th August
Head to their website for more details and booking information: https://www.lets-all-dance.co.uk/alice-in-wonderland/
Puss in Boots at Mayow Park, Sydenham: 15-23 August
Spontaneous Productions are bringing their production of Puss in Boots to Mayow Park, Sydenham on 15-23 August. There are two performances per day (at 2pm and 3pm) with tickets just £5 per person. Book tickets at: https://spontaneousproductions.co.uk/puss in boots
Dinosaur World Live and Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain Live at The Drive In, Troubadour Meridian Water: 19– 30 August
Dinosaur World Live is stampeding into The Drive In at Troubadour Meridian Water (26-23 August) for a safe and socially-distanced Jurassic adventure throughout the month of August! You can also catch the latest instalment of the popular Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain (19-23 August) which The Drive In is fully contact-free and designed to comply with all official safety guidelines, so you can enjoy seeing your favourite people and creatures from the past live on stage, all from the safety of your own car.
For more information (including details of comedy and cinema events at The Drive In and to book tickets head to: https://www.thedrivein.london/whats-on
Messy (ZooCo Theatre) at Stanley Halls, South Norwood: 5 September
Meet Daisy. She’s got a messy brain and a messy bedroom. No matter what she does, ‘The Mess’ just seems to follow her about! Which makes it very difficult to look for stuff. Important stuff. Like Mr Twiggy! When Daisy is chosen to look after Mr Twiggy the class hamster, Daisy and the rest of her class worry she might lose him. So she’s very glad when best friend Beth decides to stay over to lend a hand. In fact, Beth, Daisy and Mr Twiggy are going to have the best weekend ever! But things don’t quite go to plan…Can Daisy use the adventures of “The Mess” to find Mr Twiggy and prove everyone wrong? This is a Pay What You Can event which is suitable for the whole family. For full details and tickets head to: https://www.stanleyhalls.org.uk/boxoffice/
South East
Hever Festival Theatre: 18 – 30 August
After cancelling their 2020 season, the Festival Theatre at Hever Castle have been busy putting together a Bitesize Theatre Fortnight in its place. Illyria Theatre’s touring production of The Wind in the Willows will be stopping here for two performance on 26 August. So grab a picnic and hop in your motor car to Hever Castle. For older kids and adults, we also like the look of The Handlebards in Romeo & Juliet (18 August) and 2 Inch Fools’ production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream (25 August).
For full details and tickets head to heverfestival.co.uk/index.php/performances
Brighton Open Air Theatre: July – September
Why not combine a trip to the seaside with an afternoon of outdoor theatre? Brighton Open Air Theatre is back with a packed programme, including plenty of family friendly productions. Head to an even curiouser Wonderland with Heartbreak Productions’ peculiarly 2020 production of Alice in Lockdown (3 August), then stick around to catch The Wonderful Wizard of Oz from IK Productions (5-6 August). Or why not mess about in a BOAT with Mole, Ratty and co in Immersion Theatre’s production of The Wind in the Willows (24 August)? There’s also a chance to get up and boogie at Gnora the Gnome’s Daytime Disco (27 August), from cycling Shakespeare company The Handlebards (who are also performing Romeo and Juliet on 27 August, which looks good for those with older children). And as school starts back in September, the fun still goes on at BOAT. Head down a memory lane of music with Trumpton Comes Alive! (5 September) or introduce the little ones to classic musical with Mozart’s The Magic Flute from Opera Anywhere (13 September).
For the full programme and to book tickets head to: www.brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk
The Warren Festival, Brighton: 5 August – 27 September
If you’re in Brighton this summer you’ll be spoiled for choice, with The Warren (usually a venue as part of the Brighton Fringe, which was postponed this Spring) announcing a full outdoor season. There’s plenty on for families here too, kicking off with environmentally themed clowning show Blue Planet III (from 7 September) and Mama G’s Storytime Roadshow 7 August – 13 September). You can also catch SESKA-NoodleDoodle (15 August), a magic show that’s a firm favourite at Camp Bestival and the fabulous clowning show, Sunshine (20 – 23 August) which we reviewed at The Warren last year.
Check out the full programme and get tickets at: www.warrenfestival.co.uk
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Scoot Theatre Company): Touring cricket grounds in Surrey
New company Scoot Theatre will be touring their socially-distanced production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream around cricket clubs in Surrey this August (before heading off to BarnFest at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester). Six actor-musicians (with West-End, RSC and National Theatre credits to their names) present Shakespeare’s favourite comedy with a cricket theme in just sixty minutes. Howzat sound?
For tour venues and tickets head to:
Live on the Vine Festival, Sevenoaks: 24 July – 6 September
Sevenoaks Council is running a ‘fair weather’ family friendly festival every weekend of the summer holidays, with plenty of entertainment for the whole family, including Comedy Club 4 Kids and Silly Billy (8 August). The festival is free but donations are encouraged, which will support The Stage Theatre. New acts are announced on a weekly basis, so make sure you follow them on social media (@OnTheVineLive).
East
Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain at Chelmsford City Racecourse: 1 August
Car Park Party have teamed up with Birmingham Stage Company to tour the latest instalment of the popular Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain to car parks across the country. You can catch it at Chelmsford City Racecourse on 1 August. For more details and details of other Car Park Party events (including Karaoke and Comedy) head to: chelmsfordcityracecourse.com/events/feature-days-concerts
The Maltings Open Air Theatre Festival: 14 -27 August
The Maltings Open Air Theatre in St Albans has pulled together a full programme this August, which includes a family friendly production of Sherlock Holmes (16 August) from The Pantaloons and a chance to get up an boogie at Gnora The Gnome’s Daytime Disco (28 August). Charles Court Opera are also visiting with their acclaimed production of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic HMS Pinafore. For the full programme and tickets head to: http://maltingstheatre.co.uk/programme
West
BarnFest at The Barn Theatre, Cirencester: 25 July – 5 September
The Barn Theatre in Cirencester launched the inaugural BarnFest – Outdoor Theatre Festival with Tweedy the Clown in Tweedy: Al Fresco! This one’s already in full swing and most Tweedy shows are sold out but there are still two chances to catch him on Sunday 2 August.
Outdoor theatre company Illyria Theatre will be bringing three of their acclaimed productions to the festival: The Wind in the Willows (10th to 15th August), The Emperor’s New Clothes (17th to 22nd August) and The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle (24th to 28th August). A new production of Simon Reade’s play adaptation of Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo, directed by Alexander Knott (suitable for ages 9+) will also run at BarnFest from 17th to 22nd August. Then join Scoot Theatre for an outdoor, family-friendly production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream (29-30 August). Following an August tour of English cricket grounds, it’s set to put a different spin on the Shakespeare classic.
There’s also plenty more going on at The Barn for family members of the grown-up variety. Head here for the full programme and to book tickets: https://barntheatre.org.uk/barnfest.
Shakespeare Snapshots at the RSC, Stratford Upon Avon
The Royal Shakespeare Company is running regular free outdoor shows in the Dell Gardens over the summer, which are suitable for ages 7+. These non-costumed, pop-up performances run at 1pm and 3pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The performances are un-ticketed and operate on a first come, first served basis. For more information head to: https://www.rsc.org.uk/news/live-outdoor-performances
The Wind in the Willows at The Elizabethan Evening, Warminster: 6 September
Another chance to catch Illyria’s production of The Wind in the Willows, this time at The Elizabethan Evening, Warminster. Mole yearns for adventure, Rat adores boats and Badger likes peace and quiet. Into their lives bursts Toad who loves very fast cars and just can’t seem to help getting into trouble. But can the animals reform Toad’s character and evict the squatters from his ancestral home to restore justice to the world? Kenneth Grahame’s perennial classic is brought to the stage in Illyria’s inimitable style.
For more information and tickets head to : http://illyriatourdates.co.uk/willows.htm
The Place, Telford (in Telford Town Park): Weekends in August
The Place, Telford have rearranged their summer programme and are putting on a series of outdoor performances in Stirchley Chimney and the Teenage Amphitheatre in Telford Town Park. It sounds like the perfect venue for Tales from the Trees (8 August), a family show with that embraces natural history, folklore and ecology. You can also catch Fantastic Family Funnies for Terrific Telford on the same weekend (9 August). Then later in August catch Illyria Theatre’s production of The Wind in the Willows (20 August), join a pirate adventure on the theme of resilience with Emotion on the Ocean (22 August), join The Line Kings in a crazy kids’ show (23 August) and step through the lockdown looking glass with Heartbreak Productions and Alice in Lockdown (27 August).
Head here for more details and tickets: www.theplacetelford.com/whats-on/
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: Various Venues near Cheltenham in August and September
IK Productions are touring The Wonderful Wizard of Oz this summer and there are lots of chances to catch it in Gloucestershire, including Fordhall Organic Farm, Museum in the Park, Thornbury Castle and the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham. For the full list of venues and tickets, head to: https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/shows/the-wonderful-wizard-of-oz
More chances to catch Alice in Lockdown in Oxford, Coventry and Somerset: 14 – 18 August
Alice in Lockdown will be heading to Oxford Castle & Prison on 14 August and to Coventry Cathedral on 15 August, before moving on to The Bishops’s Palace, Somerset on 18 August. (It’s also due to stop in Tamworth on 6 August although those tickets are not yet on sale.) For details and to book tickets head to: https://www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk/theatre/whats-on/alice-in-lockdown
South West
The Minack Theatre: Season runs from July – September
If there’s one outdoor theatre we’re desperate to visit it’s the Minack in Cornwall. They have a full programme of shows on this summer, including a series of storytelling sessions for families. Comedy show The Strongman has already sold out and there is limited availability on storytelling sessions in August, so get in quickly if you’re thinking of visiting with little ones. If you can make a trip after the summer holidays, Illyria Theatre are bringing their production of The Wind in the Willows to the Minack from 22 to 26 September. For ages 12+ you might also want to check out Mischief Movie Night from Mischief Theatre Company (2-6 September) and for ages 11+ there is also ‘Oh Mary!‘ (9-12 September), a one-woman physical show based on the incredible life story of Mary Bryant; Cornish Highway Woman, Convict, Mother and Maritime Adventurer.
For more details and tickets head to www.minack.com/whats-on
The Plough Arts Centre, Bideford: Various dates in August and September
The Plough Arts Centre is coordinating a series of outdoor theatre events in the local area. You can catch Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain at The Big Sheep on 14 August or in Tapeley Park on 15 August. Heartbreak Productions will also be bringing their lockdown-inspired show Alice in Lockdown to Hartland Abbey on 12 August and Blackberry Farm, Milton Dameral on 13 August. You can also catch Illyria Theatre’s production of The Wind in the Willows at The Big Sheep (7 August), Lapford Mill (8 August) or Hartland Abbey (3 September).
For more details and tickets head to: www.theploughartscentre.org.uk/whats-on/live/theatre/theatre-open-air
Alice in Lockdown at Dartington Town Hall: 19 – 20 August
Alice in Lockdown is also visiting The Great Lawn at Dartington Town Hall, Devon on 19 and 20 August. Join Alice as she ventures through the Lockdown Looking Glass and explores a curious world filled with Cheshire Cats, White Rabbits and Red Queens, all while keeping a safe distance of 2 metres and using PPE to do her shopping. Whether battling Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee for the last loo roll or attending the Mad Hatter’s tea party via Zoom, Alice’s socially-distanced adventures are the perfect antidote to the stay-at-home blues. For more information and to book tickets to go: https://www.dartington.org/event/alice-in-lockdown/
Sterts Theatre, Liskeard: Various dates in August
Sterts Theatre have a great line up of family shows coming up this summer. Their produciton of The BFG is selling out fast, with two dates already unavailable. There are several shows from Squashbox Theatre coming up, including Stones and Bones (4 August), Myths and Monsters (18 August), Universama (20 August) and Tales from the Trees (25 August). You can also catch Illyria Theatre’s touring production of The Wind in the Willows here (2 September).
For more information and tickets head to:
More chances to catch The Wind in the Willows: 30 – 31 August
There are more chances to catch Illyria’s touring production of The Wind in the Willows in the South West towards the end of the summer. Mole yearns for adventure, Rat adores boats and Badger likes peace and quiet. Into their lives bursts Toad who loves very fast cars and just can’t seem to help getting into trouble. But can the animals reform Toad’s character and evict the squatters from his ancestral home to restore justice to the world? Kenneth Grahame’s perennial classic is brought to the stage in Illyria’s inimitable style. Confirmed dates in the South West (in addition to those booked via The Plough, Bideford and Sterts Theatre above) are:
Castle Gardens, Sherborne: 30 August
Cockington Court, near Torquay: 31 August
The Hearn Field, Combeinteignhead: 19 September
For more information and tickets head to: http://illyriatourdates.co.uk/willows.htm
Powderham Castle and Grounds: Various events in August and September
Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain is also touring car parks across the country thanks to Car Park Party. You can catch it at Powderham Castle and Grounds on 14-15 August. The venue is also host to a range of Drive in Cinema events, including Coco and The Greatest Showman, We also like the look of outdoor theatre event A Midsummer Night’s Dream (6 September).
For more information and booking head to: www.powderham.co.uk/events
Midlands
Alice In Lockdown at Castle Bromwich Hall Historic Gardens: 20-21 August
Heartbreak Productions are touring their lockdown-inspired loopiness around the UK this summer, with an extra curious take on Alice in Wonderland. The Core Theatre have teamed up with Castle Bromwich Hall Historic Gardens to bring it to Solihull. Join Alice as she ventures through the Lockdown Looking Glass and explores a curious world filled with Cheshire Cats, White Rabbits and Red Queens, all while keeping a safe distance of 2 metres and using PPE to do her shopping. Whether battling Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee for the last loo roll or attending the Mad Hatter’s tea party via Zoom, Alice’s socially-distanced adventures are the perfect antidote to the stay-at-home blues.
For full details and to book tickets go to: https://www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk/whats-on/all-shows/alice-in-lockdown/24602
North East
Middlesbrough Theatre: 7 and 28 August
Middlesbrough Theatre are presenting two outdoor shows at Newham Grange Farm this August. Head through the lockdowh looking glass with Heartbreak Productions’ Alice in Lockdown (7 August) or join Mole, Ratty & co on the Riverbank in Immersion Theatre’s production of The Wind in the Willows (28 August).
For more details and tickets head to: https://www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/
North West
The Wind in the Willows (Various Venues): 16 – 21 August
Illyria’s touring production of The Wind in the Willows heads North West . Mole yearns for adventure, Rat adores boats and Badger likes peace and quiet. Into their lives bursts Toad who loves very fast cars and just can’t seem to help getting into trouble. But can the animals reform Toad’s character and evict the squatters from his ancestral home to restore justice to the world? Kenneth Grahame’s perennial classic is brought to the stage in Illyria’s inimitable style. Confirmed dates in the North West are:
Lytham Hall, Lytham St Anne’s: 16 August
Brantwood, Coniston: 19 August
Lowther Castle & Gardens, Penrith: 21 August
For more information and tickets head to: http://illyriatourdates.co.uk/willows.htm
The Dwindling Woods, The Forge (Wild Rumpus): 20 – 23 August
Although Wild Rumpus are unable to run their usual summer festival, they have opened The Forge for a series of family friendly outdoor events. From 20 to 23 August head outside and join them in a theatrical adventure inspired by Japanese Shintoism (for children ages 10+ and their family). For more details and booking head to: https://wildrumpus.org.uk/event/the-dwindling-woods/
Scotland
The Wind in the Willows: Various venues
Illyria continue their tour of The Wind in the Willows in Scotland this September. Confirmed Scottish dates are:
Strathtyrum House, St Andrews: 10 September
Kincardine Castle, Aboyne: 11 September
Logie Steading, Forres: 12 September
The Dell of Abernethy, Nethybridge: 13 September
For more information and tickets head to: http://illyriatourdates.co.uk/willows.htm
Alice in Lockdown at Castle Kennedy Gardens: 9 August
Heartbreak Productions are touring their lockdown-inspired loopiness around the UK this summer, with an extra curious take on Alice in Wonderland. Join Alice as she ventures through the Lockdown Looking Glass and explores a curious world filled with Cheshire Cats, White Rabbits and Red Queens, all while keeping a safe distance of 2 metres and using PPE to do her shopping. Whether battling Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee for the last loo roll or attending the Mad Hatter’s tea party via Zoom, Alice’s socially-distanced adventures are the perfect antidote to the stay-at-home blues. For details and to book tickets head to: https://www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk/theatre/whats-on/alice-in-lockdown
Northern Ireland
Alice in Lockdown at Riverside Theatre, Coleraine: 29 August
Alice in Lockdown is also heading to Northern Ireland, with a performance at the Riverside Theatre. Join Alice as she ventures through the Lockdown Looking Glass and explores a curious world filled with Cheshire Cats, White Rabbits and Red Queens, all while keeping a safe distance of 2 metres and using PPE to do her shopping. Whether battling Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee for the last loo roll or attending the Mad Hatter’s tea party via Zoom, Alice’s socially-distanced adventures are the perfect antidote to the stay-at-home blues. For details and to book tickets head to: https://www.riversidetheatre.org.uk/whats-on/alice-in-lockdown
You may be interested in:
https://charlotte-holmes.thelbt.org
Charlotte Holmes is an interactive theatrical experience for children aged 7-11, delivered directly to your door.
The story is set in 1940 and follows Charlotte Holmes, who has been evacuated from London to Yorkshire. With your help, she will go on adventures, participate in fun activities and games, collect clues and solve mysteries.
The experience takes place over seven days and uses physical and recorded media.