Home to the likes of the National Theatre, the Barbican, the Old Vic, the Bush Theatre, the Almeida and all the historic theatres in the West End, there’s no doubt that the performing arts scene in London is unrivalled. On top of all the world-class theatre productions running all year round in the capital, outdoor theatre bursts into life across the spring and summer too.
Of course, doing anything outdoors in the UK always runs the risk of the weather ruining your plans – that’s the British summertime for you – and it’s no different for outdoor theatre. But as Beyonce and Taylor Swift have proven by performing during their world tours in the pissing rain, the show must go on. And what’s a little rain anyway? It’d certainly add some extra atmosphere during a production of Macbeth at Shakespeare’s Globe, and free special effects are not to be sniffed at.
The Globe and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre are the two most famous outdoor theatres in London but there are other, perhaps more unexpected places to catch an open-air performance in the capital. We’ve rounded them up here, so you can book your tickets – and don’t forget your coat.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre – it’s right there in the name so there can be no doubt that Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is one of the best places to enjoy outdoor performances in London. The season runs from May to September and there’s always a varied programme; already this year we’ve had Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s musical Once On This Island, directed by Ola Ince and starring Gabrielle Brooks and Stephenson Ardern-Sodje; Carl Grose’s Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written; and a handful of family-oriented shows. Now the 2023 season is closing with Dinosaur Live and La Cage aux Folles, Tim Sheader revival of Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein’s classic musical. The production (based on the film of the same name) tells the story of a gay couple, drag nightclub owner Georges and his partner Albin, and their son Jean-Michel, who causes chaos when he brings home his fiancé and her ultra-conservative parents. It’s playing until 23rd September, get tickets here.
Shakespeare’s Globe – the Globe is one of the most famous theatres in the city, not just amongst open-air venues, and it’s the place to truly see Shakespeare come alive. The £5 groundling tickets, aka standing tickets, are not only incredible value but give you the chance to experience a performance like many Londoners would have way back in Shakespeare’s day.
The season runs from May to October, though they do some seasonal performances around Christmas time, and here’s what you can catch. Ellen McDougall is directing As You Like It (playing from 18th August – 29th October, tickets here), Shakespeare’s joyous comedy where Rosalind and Celia find a whole new world in the Forest of Arden. Abigail Graham is making her globe directorial debut with her take on the bloody tragedy Macbeth (running until 28th October, tickets here).
Alice in Wonderland at Kew Gardens – yes Kew Gardens isn’t just for plants anymore. This summer the botanic gardens is hosting a family-friendly, outdoor theatre production of Alice in Wonderland, where you can journey down the rabbit hole with Alice and follow her as she meets curiouser and curiouser characters, including the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts. Until 28th August, get tickets here.
Greenwich + Docklands Festival – GDIF is London’s leading free festival of outdoor theatre and performance art, so it’s safe bet that you’ll see something interesting, unusual and thought-provoking while it’s on. This year’s programme includes a immersive theatre piece The Architect, set on a London bus that travels around South East London that looks at Black experiences following the murder of Stephen Lawrence; West African circus performance Ancient Futures, with a soundtrack from Afrikan Boy; and Woman, Life, Freedom!, street theatre that showcases the vitality of Iranian culture amidst the protest movement in the country. The festival runs from 25th August – 10th September, check out the schedule here.
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