8 incredible UK outdoor performances to check out this summer
From open-air Shakespearean shows to opera in National Trust grounds, find your perfect place to enjoy an arty evening al fresco
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Your support makes all the difference.We may not be experiencing the extended scorcher that was the summer of 2018, but the warmest season of the year is – nevertheless – here. So it’s time to make the most of the longer daylight hours and the milder temperatures (however slight) and find some super entertaining ways to spend our summer days and evenings.
Whether you fancy taking in an opera performance within the grounds of a beautiful National Trust building, checking out a poetry slam at a summer book festival in Edinburgh or experiencing the genius of an open air performance of Evita, the sky is the limit. Not only that, there are incredible options all over the country. We’ve pulled together the most unmissable outdoor performances for the next few months.
Evita at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Enjoy one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most celebrated musicals from one of the largest theatres in London, which just happens to be located in the middle of a Royal Park. Evita tells the story of the world’s first political celebrity, Eva Perón, and boasts an Oscar-winning soundtrack and a heartbreaking story. Be sure to not miss this chance to visit Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, as its season only runs for 18 weeks a year. Spend a balmy evening watching the fantastic drama unfold.
The Grange Festival
Immerse yourself in world-class opera at Hampshire-based Grange Festival, which boasts an array of fantastic musical events, whether the sun is out or not. Book in to see The John Wilson Orchestra perform Hollywood and Broadway classics, or perhaps biblical drama Belshazzar.
Eating options are also pretty sublime, with the opportunity to indulge in a three-course meal while watching an orchestra concert, or dine out al fresco on a picnic of canapés in the gardens. It’s definitely not your average festival food van experience.
The Cabaret Field at Glastonbury Festival
If you’re lucky enough to possess a Glastonbury ticket, make sure that you venture further than the headline acts on the Pyramid Stage. Sure, it will be packed with world-class musical entertainment, but there is much more to explore when it comes to outdoor entertainment. This year’s line-up includes an all-female circus troupe, a set from BAFTA award-winning comedian Jo Brand, as well as an array of spoken word talent. Author and broadcaster Lemn Sissay will share his latest collection, while John Hegley and Joe Sellman-Leava will take to the field’s Poetry Words tent.
Twelfth Night at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre
It runs from 5 July until 24 August, so don’t miss the chance to see an unforgettable retelling of a story of cross dressing and unrequited love.
The open-air theatre – which is based in Chester’s city centre – will also be showing performances of Henry V and The Borrowers this summer.
Opera Holloway: Puccini's La Boheme at Leith Hill Place
Soak up an operatic performance of a tragic Parisian love story in the grounds of a National Trust house. Leith Hill Place, the birthplace of of famous composer Vaughan William, is the perfect backdrop for La Boheme, which charts the romance of doomed lovers Mimi and Rudolfo from promising beginnings to tragic end.
Opera Holloway, a charity that supports young performers at the beginning of their careers, is running the show. So it’s not just a great opportunity to check out some operatic talent, but also to support newcomers. Picnicking is encouraged, and cake is served in the interval.
Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House: Double bill film screening of Get Out/They Live
Jordan Peele’s smash horror will be playing alongside sci-fi satire They Live at the majestic Somerset House this summer. Thrill-seekers will be treated to a delicious evening of paranoia and scares, as well as the option to sit in directors chairs or beanbags for the main event. Turn up early to get the best spot, and also to make sure you can enjoy the scheduled DJ performances beforehand.
Get Out won the Best Original Screenplay accolade at the 2018 Oscars, foregrounding Peele’s latest (equally terrifying) 2019 release, Us.
Bang Said The Gun poetry performance at Edinburgh International Book Festival
Fancy a decidedly no-thrills poetry performance this summer? Sample Bang Said The Gun’s stuff at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. The group describes its work as "poetry for people who don’t like poetry". So novices and poetry enthusiasts can join together and enjoy a festival slot of refreshingly self-aware stuff. Think politics, plain language and Trump insults.
Edinburgh International Book Festival also hosts an array of incredible writing, illustrating and musical talent every year, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to check out what they have to offer too.
Robyn at Wilderness Festival, Cornbury Park
Cut the inevitable crowds for one of modern pop’s most-loved performers and see Robyn against the backdrop of a truly under-the-radar festival. With a capacity of 10,000 (in comparison to Glastonbury’s 175,000), the festival offers an intimate experience with the “Be Mine” musician.
The Swedish pop star may not need any introduction, but Wilderness Festival may do. It boasts comedy extravaganzas and debates, as well as a lakeside spa and yoga masterclasses when the performances over. Its artist line-up also includes Groove Armada, Bombay Bicycle Club and Tom Odell.
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