The Hottest Outdoor Shows across the North East and Yorkshire This Summer
Summer calls for outdoor theatre and open-air screenings of your favourite films
Macbeth
17TH JUNE
East Riddlesden Hall, Keighley
thedukestheatrecompany.co.uk
The Dukes Theatre Company are bringing this take on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy with a contemporary edge to East Riddlesden Hall. There’ll be a strong focus on the psychological unravelling of the protagonists in Macbeth when this troupe tell the story of ambition, murder, and madness.
Grease
20TH JUNE
Thirsk Racecourse
cinemaoutdoor.co.uk
Bring your friends and family (and your blankets) along for this al fresco screening of Grease, and sing along to Summer Nights and You’re the One That I Want. Summer style is encouraged, but why not come along on brand in your favourite leather jacket?
The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth I
22ND JUNE
Middleton Lodge, Richmond
middletonlodge.co.uk
Step back Six. This brand-new Tudor musical romp sees Elizabeth I take to an outdoor stage in the estate grounds at Middleton Lodge. Featuring rivalry, drama and laugh-out-loud moments, this take on Elizabethan history is set to a toe-tapping soundtrack. Bring a blanket, your own chair and waterproofs as the performance will take place whatever the weather.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
1ST & 2ND JULY
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate
rhs.org.uk
Oddsocks Outdoor Theatre have partnered with Harrogate International Festivals for this outdoor, family-friendly theatre show. Expect live music, comedy action and outrageous hunting dogs in this hilarious take on Shakespeare’s fast-paced A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Screen on the Green
JULY–SEPTEMBER
Old Eldon Square, Newcastle
getintonewcastle.co.uk
As well as various films throughout the day all summer, Newcastle’s open-air cinema Screen on the Green also screens live sporting events including action from Wimbledon, the British Grand Prix and Tour de France. Bring the kids for child-friendly screenings including popular Julia Donaldson book adaptations.
Pride and Prejudice
11TH JULY
Kirkleatham Museum and Grounds, Redcar
illyria.co.uk
Don’t miss award-winning Illyria’s adaption of Pride and Prejudice, in celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. Can she see beyond his pride, and can he overcome her prejudice in this unique production of this classic tale? Bring your own picnic to enjoy during this performance.
Grease
19TH JULY
Wynyard Hall, Stockton
wynyardhall.co.uk
The UK’s biggest outdoor cinema tour is coming to Wynyard Hall, showing not one but three films under the stars this July. Their Mamma Mia screening has sold out already so you’ll want to act fast to secure tickets to see Grease on the big screen (whilst non-musical fans might prefer the Top Gun screening on 21st July).
Kynren
FROM 19TH JULY
Flatts Farm, Bishop Auckland
11arches.com
Performed by a 1,000-strong cast and crew on a 7.5-acre outdoor stage, Kynren is arguably the most iconic outdoor show in the UK. A must-book event for summer, when better to see Kynren than during its 10th anniversary season? Running every Saturday evening from 19th July to 13th September, this award-winning 90-minute show is a truly unique experience not available anywhere else in the UK. Audiences follow Young Arthur – a local boy – on his time travelling quest. Plus, the popular pre-show entertainment experience, the Viking village, returns this year, offering visitors an immersive experience to explore the sights, sounds and smells of a ninth century settlement.
Wicked Sing-A-Long
20TH JULY
Raby Castle, Staindrop
raby.co.uk
The cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked has been enchanting viewers since its release last year and whilst we wait for part two (coming to cinemas this November), we’re watching it on repeat. Where better to see Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in all their Elphaba and Glinda glory than in the stunning grounds of Raby Castle? Better still, this is a sing-a-long so no one can stop you from belting out your battle cry during Defying Gravity. Whether you wear pink or green, bring your own camping chair or blanket for this outdoor screening.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
22ND JULY
Alnwick Castle
alnwickcastle.com
The grounds of Alnwick Castle will be transformed into a mysterious forest this summer when The Three Inch Fools present A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The Fairy King and Queen are feuding, four runaway lovers are tying themselves in knots, but as with any Three Inch Fools performance, and indeed any Shakespeare rom-com, things will never go smoothly. Bring your own blankets, cushions and camping chairs.
The Snow Queen
13TH AUGUST
Stage at the Dock, Hull
stageatthedock.co.uk
Pantos aren’t just for Christmas! Jack Frost has teamed up with The Snow Queen to cause an endless winter – but can the Summer Fairy melt the magic? This outdoor production of The Snow Queen is part of the Panto @ The Dock lineup of summer shows courtesy of TaleGate Theatre.
Twelfth Night
15TH AUGUST
Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon
tlcm.co.uk
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men are currently in rehearsals for Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, Twelfth Night. Like Shakespeare performances originally were, it’ll be performed in the open air, with an all-male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. Bring a chair and a picnic along with you.
Much Ado About Nothing
8TH AUGUST
Pontefract Castle, Wakefield
handlebards.com
Pedalling all of their set, props and costumes to venues on the back of their bikes, you can always rely on The HandleBards to entertain. Join the theatrical troupe at venues throughout Yorkshire, including Pontefract Castle, for a bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing like you’ve never seen it before.
Much Ado About Nothing
20TH AUGUST
Northumberlandia, Cramlington
handlebards.com
Pedalling all of their set, props and costumes to venues on the back of their bikes, you can always rely on The HandleBards to entertain. Join the theatrical troupe at Northumberlandia for a bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing like you’ve never seen it before.
The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck
21ST AUGUST
Bamburgh Castle
bamburghcastle.com
Quantum Theatre is bringing its new adaptation of the much-loved Beatrix Potter Tale, The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, to Bamburgh Castle this summer. A firm family favourite, join Jemima on her adventure to find a nesting place in the forest.
Mamma Mia! Outdoor Cinema ExtrABBAganza
30TH AUGUST
Harewood House, Leeds
adventurecinema.co.uk
You’re welcome to sing along to your favourite ABBA songs during this open-air screening of Mamma Mia! and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. There’ll be hot food (although picnics are welcome too) and an ABBA disco before the film starts! ABBA-themed fancy dress is encouraged too.
