Shakespeare in the sun! Britain’s best outdoor theatres

Summer is here and with theatres closed for social distancing, we look at the best outdoor theatres!

THE GLOBE, LONDON

Arrive early and take one of the theatre’s guided tours to learn about life as a playwright in Shakespeare’s time, and how the modern venue was built.

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE, LONDON

Tickets to Britain’s oldest professional outdoor theatre sell out fast. Make sure you get there early on sunny days to get a seat in the shade.

THE MINACK THEATRE, CORNWALL

A visit to the Minack Theatre is an event in itself, so pack a picnic of strawberries and clotted cream.  Open from May to September, it hosts musicals, children’s shows and classical theatre, but wrap up well because the wind really howls in this high-flung spot.

THE WILLOW GLOBE, POWYS, WALES

This mini version of Shakespeare’s Globe hosts performances from April to September in a truly magical and intimate setting. About a third of the size of its London counterpart, the theatre is a hidden gem.

BROWNSEA OPEN AIR THEATRE, DORSET

‘Shakespeare on an Island’ offers a refreshingly different perspective. Boats leave for the island from Poole Quay from 5pm onwards; it’s worth going early in order to have time to explore this rugged little isle before the show begins.

KILWORTH HOUSE THEATRE, LEICESTERSHIRE

Enjoy a spot of outdoor theatre amid the magnificent grounds of the Kilworth Estate, set in a magical-looking glade. Kilworth House Theatre prides itself on staging musical theatre of a standard rarely seen outside of London’s West End.

LARMER TREE, WILTSHIRE

There are lots of lovely events that take place in these Victorian pleasure gardens every year, including one or two festivals. However, we think the Singing Theatre is the best way to experience all the drama.

BRIGHTON OPEN AIR THEATRE

This lawned amphitheatre was the dream of local playwright and visionary Adrian Bunting, who passed away in 2013, and draws the crowds in the creative seaside city of Brighton.

Jigsaw Performing Arts, established 1995, is dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self-expression and building confidence. We offer performing arts classes for children aged between 3 – 18. Find your nearest school by entering your postcode into the search on our home page.