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
King Arthur and the Holy Fail
The Three Inch Fools are back, this time with King Arthur and the Holy Fail – a fast-paced retelling of the Arthurian legend. Expect medieval chaos and the clever comedy The Three Inch Fools are known for. Set within Raby’s grass amphitheatre (the first of its kind in the North of England) in the East Garden, bring blankets, cushions, or camping chairs and enjoy the show against the backdrop of the historic castle.
26TH JUNE
Amphitheatre in The Walled Gardens, Raby
raby.co.uk
Kynren
New for summer 2026, Kynren – The Storied Lands opens on 18th July as an ambitious live-action day park, where history, myth and legend unfold through a series of spectacular shows and immersive experiences. Across the park, stories are brought vividly to life through birds in flight, skilled horsemanship and moments of drama and action, set within striking, purpose-built landscapes. On selected evenings, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England takes centre stage, a powerful outdoor performance that journeys through 2,000 years of history, from Roman Britain to Viking invasions and medieval England, performed on a vast 7.5-acre stage by a cast and crew of 1,000 volunteers.
18TH JULY–12TH SEPTEMBER
Bishop Auckland
kynren.com
As You Like It
Join The HandleBards at Wharton Park for a fantastically funny bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It. The HandleBards are a troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK. Bring a chair or blanket and a picnic.
13TH AUGUST
Wharton Park, Durham
handlebards.com
Screen on the Green
The award-winning Screen on the Green returns to Newcastle with a chance to sit back and relax in deckchairs and watch cult classics, family favourites and sporting action al fresco. Top screenings include Paddington in Peru, Bee Movie, Mufasa: The Lion King and back-to-back Shrek, plus action from Wimbledon and Tour de France.
JULY–AUGUST
Old Eldon Square, Newcastle
getintonewcastle.co.uk
Treasure Island
Quantum Theatre is setting sail for the high seas with a new adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic pirate adventure, Treasure Island – and the theatre company are stopping by Kiplin Hall and Gardens for a special outdoor performance. This action-packed show is perfect for the whole family, and you’re welcome to bring along chairs, blankets and picnics.
25TH JULY
Kiplin Hall and Gardens, near Richmond
kiplinhall.co.uk
The (almost) Complete History of Britain
The Pantaloons are doing what they do best – retelling great moments from the country's past in surprising genres. Expect live music, audience interaction and some historical inaccuracy in The (almost) Complete History of Britain when they perform outdoors in the nuttery at Washington Old Hall. Chairs and picnics are encouraged.
16TH AUGUST
Washington Old Hall
nationaltrust.org.uk
The Pirates of Penzance
Chaos and catchy tunes make up this fast‑paced musical take on The Pirates of Penzance. A perfect choice for families, don’t miss it in the stunning surroundings of Gibside this summer.
18TH AUGUST
Gibside, Gateshead
nationaltrust.org.uk
Macbeth
This is Shakespeare’s Macbeth like you’ve never seen it before, HandleBards style, and this production is bound to be hilariously high-octane. The troupe promise mishaps, mayhem and mirth in this production when it cycles its way to Alnwick Castle. Suitable for all ages, bring a chair or blanket to sit on, a picnic to dig into, and dress for the weather.
19TH AUGUST
Alnwick Castle
alnwickcastle.com
Pretty Woman Outdoor Cinema Experience
Spend a summer evening with Richard Gere and Julia Roberts as Nostell screens Pretty Woman outdoors. Head along early – there’ll be music to enjoy before the movie with a specially curated soundtrack of songs. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or camping chair and enjoy this ‘90s classic on a huge open-air screen.
25TH JUNE
Nostell Priory, Wakefield
adventurecinema.co.uk
The Three Musketeers
Settle Victoria Hall is the world’s oldest music hall and the gardens here offer an intimate space for outdoor shows with fantastic natural acoustics. Outdoor theatre company Illyria are stopping by the gardens with their tour of The Three Musketeers this summer, with comedic storytelling, romance, intrigue and revenge.
15TH JULY
Miss Victoria's Refreshment Gardens, Settle
settlevictoriahall.org.uk
King Arthur & The Holy Fail
The Three Inch Fools are back, this time with King Arthur & the Holy Fail – a fast-paced retelling of the Arthurian legend. Expect medieval chaos and the clever comedy The Three Inch Fools are known for. Bring blankets and chairs to this performance which will take place on the Main House lawn at Middleton Lodge, and the Main House Library Bar will keep you fuelled throughout.
12TH JULY
The Main House Lawn, Middleton Lodge
middletonlodge.co.uk
Macbeth
This is Shakespeare’s Macbeth like you’ve never seen before, HandleBards style. The HandleBards are a troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK, and this production promises to be hilariously high-octane. Bring a chair or blanket and a picnic to enjoy it in the grounds of Bolton Castle.
20TH AUGUST
Bolton Castle, near Leyburn
handlebards.com
York Mystery Plays Festival
York Mystery Plays Festival has been bringing outdoor performance to the city’s streets every four years since 1998. From The War in Heaven to Doomsday, plays and further extracts will be performed across the city and there’ll also be trails to follow, films, expert talks, exhibitions, competitions and a lantern show at twilight.
28TH JUNE & 5TH JULY
York
yorkmysteryplays.co.uk
Shakespeare’s As You Like It
Illyria are back at Bolton Abbey this summer to perform beneath the Priory Ruins. Their take on Shakespeare’s As You Like It is suitable for all ages and offers a unique chance to see a production of this classic under the stars. Then on 18th August they will return to perform Pinocchio – another performance families will love.
9TH AUGUST
Bolton Abbey, Skipton
boltonabbey.com
Romeo & Juliet
Shakespeare’s story of star‑crossed lovers will be told in true Oddsocks style in the grounds of RHS Harlow Carr. This family‑friendly adaptation is a new take on the tragedy, and will feature larger‑than‑life characters and playful storytelling.
30TH JUNE & 1ST JULY
RHS Harlow Carr
rhs.org.uk
Othello
This summer The Lord Chamberlain’s Men are touring with Othello in the open air, with an all-male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. Don’t miss the performance on the West Lawn of Newby Hall & Gardens where you can make a day of it – your ticket includes free entry to Newby Hall Gardens prior to the show, so children can enjoy the playground, miniature railway, river boat rides, and teddy bear and dolls house exhibitions.
14TH AUGUST
Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon
newbyhall.com
Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza
Dancing queens won’t want to miss this outdoor screening of Mamma Mia! at Herrington Country Park, and you can keep the party going with an ABBA disco afterwards. Singing along is encouraged. Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics but hot food and snacks will also be available and alcohol can be purchased onsite.
8TH AUGUST
Herrington Country Park, Sunderland
adventurecinema.co.uk
22ND AUGUST
Harewood House, Leeds
adventurecinema.co.uk
The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny
Quantum Theatre’s enchanting new takes on two of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved tales – The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. Bring the kids, a blanket and a picnic and join Peter and Benjamin in the beautiful grounds of Kirkleatham Museum.
29TH AUGUST
Kirkleatham Museum and Grounds, Redcar
quantumtheatre.co.uk
