Your guide to open-air theatre this summer

Here at WhatsOnStage, there is nothing we love more than a theatre – and during the summer, particularly, we love one without a roof!

Across the UK, you can enjoy world-class theatre from Shakespeare to top musicals performed in the open air. Just don’t forget your SPF!

Brighton Open Air Theatre

This 400-seater outdoor amphitheatre in the buzzy seaside town of Brighton will be offering music, drag, comedy and drama this summer. The programme includes classic plays, including Shakespeare, and exciting revivals from local and visiting companies. Pair a show with a visit to the Dyke Road Park.

Brownsea Open Air Theatre

Since 1964, Brownsea Open Air Theatre has been staging Shakespearean productions in its idyllic island setting in Poole Harbour, Dorset. This summer, the company will mount The Tempest from 3 to 15 August. Hopefully, the stormy weather will be kept to the stage.

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

GDIF has expanded this year, playing across Greenwich, Newham, Thamesmead, Stratford and, for the first time, Romford and Barking. Under the theme “We Move”, expect more than 25 companies presenting theatre, dance, circus and installations. The 2026 line-up includes three world premieres, five UK premieres and 10 London premieres, which you can enjoy for free between 21 August and 6 September.

Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

Chester’s premium al fresco venue is host to three productions this summer: Kieran Lynn’s Outlaws: A Robin Hood Story opens the season (3 July to 23 August), followed by a new production of Let the Sun Shine (10 July to 23 August). A family-friendly staging of Peter Pan, recommended for ages two to ten, flies into the theatre from 28 July to 15 August, while a revival of Jessica Swale‘s Nell Gwynn celebrates misbehaving women from 21 August to 6 September as part of Storyhouse on the Park.

Kilworth House Theatre

Don’t forget your tap shoes when Anything Goes is docking in Leicestershire this summer. The Cole Porter musical will run for 48 performances until 2 August 2026 at the open-air theatre. Lee Proud returns as director and choreographer, joined by the same creative team behind the theatre’s hit productions of 42nd Street, Singin’ in the Rain and Hairspray.

Minack Theatre

Arguably the most iconic of the UK’s outdoor theatres, the Minack is located in Porthcurno, just 4 miles from Land’s End in Cornwall, and has been in operation since 1930. The view isn’t the only thing that is dramatic about this stage, as audiences can book to see productions of The Girl on the Train or Animal Farm. After a comedy? Try Jack Absolute Flies Again, or if musicals are more your thing, you can find yourself at Dear Evan Hansen.

National Trust

Across the country, many National Trust properties will be playing host to outdoor events in historic settings. Highlights include Carmen, Othello, Romeo and Juliet, The Three Musketeers and more – check your local spot for listings.

OVO Roman Theatre

The Roman Theatre Open Air Festival is one of the country’s most special, with patrons including Ralph Fiennes, Joanna Lumley, Brian Cox, and Zoë Wanamaker. Up until 31 August, the oldest producing theatre in the UK will be presenting productions of Stephen Sondheim’s Company, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest and more.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Fingers crossed the weather holds off raining any cats and dogs! Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s big summer musical is a revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, directed and choreographed by artistic director Drew McOnie, with an all-star cast. It plays from 25 July to 12 September, before hitting the road. Tour information available here.

Secret Cinema

There surely can be no better place than to enjoy those summer nights than at Rydell High!? Secret Cinema’s hit immersive production of Grease returns to Battersea Park for a second season from 22 July to 13 September. You can find out more from choreographer Jennifer Weber here.

Shakespeare’s Globe

The iconic O on London’s Southbank is one of the most culturally important theatres in the world. Under the starry summer skies, you can step into A Midsummer Night’s Dream (until 29 August), the sun-soaked Messina in Much Ado About Nothing (until 24 October) or a flamenco-inspired Love’s Labour’s Lost (17 July to 13 September).

Shakespeare in the Squares

For one night in multiple venues, the not-for-profit touring theatre company Shakespeare in the Squares stages a famed play, tailored to that venue. Toby Gordon has directed this year’s 10th anniversary presentation of Love’s Labour’s Lost, playing until 12 July.

Tolethorpe Hall

Nestled in the beautiful Rutland countryside, Tolethorpe Hall is home to the Stamford Shakespeare Company, which will be staging Twelfth Night throughout the coming months. In addition, you can catch performances of Treasure Island, One Man Two Guvnors or Animal Farm.

Watermill Theatre

The Watermill is one of our most adored theatres here at WhatsOnStage, as the Newbury venue consistently delivers unforgettable actor-musician revivals of family favourites. This year, they’re offering a truly scrumptious production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which spans the grounds of the theatre as well as inside – best explored by flying car.