When summer comes along, many of Nottinghamshire's best-loved heritage attractions play host to a variety of outdoor film and theatre performances. Along with popular films screened underneath the stars, this summer you can catch Shakespeare plays, delightful comedies and fun-filled children's theatre in the picturesque grounds of historic houses and country parks. 

Rally your friends, grab a picnic blanket, bring along some delicious snacks and settle down for a relaxing and entertaining day.

Performances take place around the county from June to September. Here's our round-up of some of the highlights.

Make sure to click the read more button below to see the full range of outdoor cinema & theatre options available throughout Nottingham and Nottinghamshire

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Outdoor Cinema 

Newstead Abbey

Enjoy the manicured gardens and beautiful ruins of Newstead Abbey, the ancestral home of Romantic poet Lord Byron, before checking out the outdoor cinema lined up for July.

Friday 17 July: Wicked Sing-A-Long (PG)
Gates 6pm | Film starts 7.30pm

Saturday 18 July: Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza (PG)
Gates 6pm | Film starts 7.30pm

Sunday 19 July: Pride and Prejudice (U)
Gates 6pm | Film starts 7.30pm

Please click here for more information and buy your tickets now!

Wollaton Park

Wollaton Hall and Deer Park is a spectacular Elizabethan mansion and park set in the heart of Nottingham and throughout August there are a variety of films showcased against this stunning backdrop.

Friday 28 August: Dirty Dancing (12)
Gates 6pm | Film starts 7.30pm

Saturday 29 August: Sing (U)
Gates 12pm | Film starts 1.30pm

Saturday 29 August: Queen Outdoor Cinema Celebration (12A)
Gates 5pm | Film starts 6.30pm

Sunday 30 August: Bing and His Friends at The Cinema! (U)
Gates 10am | Film starts 11am

Sunday 30 August: Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration (PG)
Gates 2pm | Film starts 3.30pm

Sunday 30 August: Jurassic Park (PG)
Gates 6.30pm | Film starts 8pm

Please click here for more information and buy your tickets now!

White Post Farm

Cinema at the Farm is here! This year, Notts Maze have teamed up with White Post Farm to bring their fantastic Outdoor Cinema nights to the farm! Enjoy amazing feel-good films on a giant screen, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the farm. Bring a blanket, grab some popcorn, and settle in for a magical evening under the sky.

Saturday 25 July: The Greatest Showman (PG)
Film starts 9pm

Saturday 15 August: Mamma Mia (PG-13)
Film starts 9pm

Please click here for more information and buy your tickets now!

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Open-Air Theatre

Nottingham Castle

The popular Open-Air Theatre season returns to Nottingham Castle this summer with a programme of new and traditional performances. You are invited to pack your picnics, camping chairs and blankets to enjoy theatre in the great outdoors!

Friday 12 June | Gates 6pm, show 7pm
Oddsocks Productions: Romeo & Juliet

A family feud divides the community and violence stalks the streets. Who can see beyond the hate and dare to follow their heart? A pair of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet!

Thursday 30 July | Gates 5pm, show 6pm
Cambridge Touring Theatre Company: The Sword in the Stone

Young Wart dreams of becoming a squire, while his childhood friend Morgan sets her sights on fame and fortune. Along the way, they meet a host of colourful characters who guide them through adventures and teach them lasting lessons about friendship, courage, and finding their way in the world.

Tuesday 4 August | Gates 5pm, show 6pm
Quantum Theatre: The Tale of Peter Rabbit & Benjamin Bunny

Peter Rabbit and his naughty cousin Benjamin know very well that they are not to go into Mr McGregor’s garden, but they cannot resist and soon they find themselves face to face Mr McGregor himself! But how will they ever escape? 

Wednesday 26 August | Gates 6pm, show 7pm
Pantaloons Theatre Company: The (Almost) Complete History of Britain

Mud, blood and stiff upper-lips! Join the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company on a breathless race through the centuries in this delightfully inventive show that tells the entire story of Britain in under 2 hours.

Please click here for more information and buy your tickets now!

Wollaton Hall & Deer Park

The popular Open-Air Theatre season returns to Wollaton Hall & Deer Park this summer with a programme of new and traditional performances. Throughout June to August there are a variety of shows performed live against the stunning backdrop of the spectacular Elizabethan mansion and park

Tuesday 16 June | Gates 6pm, show 7pm
Three Inch Fools: King Arthur and the Holy Fail

The Three Inch Fools present an epic tale of Arthurian adventure and medieval mayhem… In a land of daring quests, dashing knights, and endless jousting, there lived a would-be hero – waiting in the wings – who went by the name of Arthur.

Friday 24 July | Gates 5pm, show 6pm
Illyria Theatre Company: Pinocchio

A wooden puppet runs away, hoping to find fun and adventure, but instead finds demanding bosses, con-artists and peer-pressure. Bombarded by money, games and other attention-grabbing attractions, how can Pinocchio ever become a real boy when even lies told to cover up awkward truths are as plain as the nose on his face?

Monday 3 August | Gates 6pm, show 7pm
Pantaloons Theatre Company: Sherlock Holmes & The Hound of the Baskervilles

How can one show possibly contain so much action and adventure? Elementary, my dear! The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company present a brand-new riff on the fiendishly famous case.

Please click here for more information and buy your tickets now!

Newstead Abbey

Throughout June – September, the popular Open-Air Theatre season returns to Newstead Abbey with a programme of new and traditional performances. Enjoy the manicured gardens and beautiful ruins of Newstead Abbey, the ancestral home of Romantic poet Lord Byron, before checking out the outdoor theatre lined up this summer.

Wednesday 24 June | Gates 6pm, show 7pm
Oddsocks Productions: Romeo & Juliet

A family feud divides the community and violence stalks the streets. Who can see beyond the hate and dare to follow their heart? A pair of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet!

Wednesday 15 July | Gates 6pm, show 7pm
Quantum Theatre: Treasure Island

It’s pirate ships, pieces of eight and salty old sea dogs in Quantum Theatre’s swashbuckling new adaptation of the classic pirate adventure, Treasure Island. Bursting with buccaneers, brouhaha and dastardly double dealings, this lively new adaptation delivers an action-packed adventure for the whole family.

Wednesday 19 August | Gates 6pm, show 7pm
Pantaloons Theatre Company: Twelfth Night

Get in a fight. Cross-dress. Throw on some yellow stockings. Love can make you do the funniest things…! The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company present their own brand of Shakespearean mayhem in the Bard’s comedy of fools, duels and dual identities. Family-friendly fun with live music and audience participation.

Sunday 6 September | Gates 5pm, show 6pm
Illyria Theatre Company: The Three Musketeers

All for One; One for All! Young D’Artagnan is determined to join Athos, Porthos and Aramis as an elite Musketeer of the King’s Guard. Set against a sweeping panorama of 17th century France at war, this production is a whirlwind of scheming, romance and broad comedy – and the finest swashbuckling in the business.

Please click here for more information and buy your tickets now!

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For more information about all summer events, including outdoor theatre, pop into the Nottingham Tourism Centre or call 08444 77 5678. Make sure you check out the What's On section of our website for further summer inspiration.