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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 2021 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 May to September. Here's our round-up of some of the highlights.
Enjoy the manicured gardens and beautiful ruins of Newstead Abbey, the ancestral home of Romantic poet Lord Byron, before checking out the outdoor theatre and cinema lined up for July and August.
Take in magical evening Shakespeare performances, including Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream, enjoy F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic The Great Gatsby, the touching tale of David Walliams’ best-seller Mr Stink or check out Wind in the Willows for an adventure filled evening with motorcar madness, wicked weasels and exciting escapes. For more information including dates, please click here.
Can't wait to enjoy a screening of your cult favourites at the beautiful grounds of Newstead Abbey? They've got a fantastic line up of films with Rocky Horror Picture Show and Dirty Dancing playing! For more information including dates, please click here.
Wollaton Hall and Deer Park is a spectacular Elizabethan mansion and park set in the heart of Nottingham and throughout June to September there are a variety of shows performed live against this stunning backdrop.
Starting with Mr Stink on Saturday 12 June, you can also see Shakespeare's Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing and Merry Wives of Windsor, plus a modern re-telling of the classic fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, Wonders with Grimm. Join Dr Dolittle on his adventures with Jip the Dog, Dab Dab the Duck, Gub Gub the Pig and Polynesia the Parrot. Those who love to disappear into a magical world of wonders will enjoy the production of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, which concludes the season on Tuesday 10 August. For more information including dates, please click here.
More into films than theatre? Luna Outdoor Cinema is taking place at Wollaton Hall this August, so get excited for screenings of Harry Potter, Mamma Mia, Star Wars: A New Hope, The Greatest Showman, the epic Les Misérables and more!
Set in the centre of this picturesque town, the glorious Southwell Minster and its neighbouring ruin the Archbishop's Palace, are architectural and historical gems of north Nottinghamshire. Set within beautifully kept gardens, they once again will be an impressively grand backdrop for outdoor theatre this year. On Saturday 24 July, The HandleBards are back by popular demand with their comedic retelling of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Macbeth, or how about a showing of Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden?
Rufford Abbey Country Park is the estate and grounds of a former 12 century Cistercian Monastery and country house. Spend a day out with the family taking in the gorgeous grounds complimented by a outdoor theatre in June. Go down the yellow brick road with the fantastic performance of Oz – The Immersive Adventure and who knows what modern twists will come popping up in this classic tale?
Nestled in the tranquil, rural countryside just outside of the city, Holme Pierrepont Hall is a fascinating Tudor house which remains a family home. Along with stunning displays of snowdrops in February, tulips in spring and herbaceous borders in the summer, the house is host to exhibitions and events. Set to be a tremendous summer evening of entertainment in the East Garden, the Festival Players Theatre Company present Henry V by William Shakespeare.
With gardens designed by Capability Brown, and a magnificent Regency house, Belvoir Castle will provide the ultimate backdrop for a fabulous night of outdoor theatre under the stars. This July, Heart Break Productions will transport you back to the 1920’s with a magnificent performance of The Great Gatsby - a fantastic outdoor adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald's famous novel with a twist of iconic Heartbreak style!
This summer Victoria Embankment will be transformed into an outdoor cinema right along the River Trent. With the Film and Food Festival 2021 in July, you’ll be able to see your favourite films in the open air. Get excited for screenings of JoJo Rabbit, Bohemian Rhapsody, Disney’s Robin Hood or singing along with a good old classic like Grease! For more information including dates, please click here.
Who said theatre can't be fun for the whole family has never been to Lakeside Arts! This summer they're bringing all the outdoor theatre fun to Nottingham! At Highfields park, join Malcolm Brushell's The Lost Colour for stunning puppetry, go and see a magical outdoor theatre rendition of Shakespeare's final play 'The Tempest', all against the backdrop of Lakeside Arts or check out the fun circus and puppetry show Look Up! and Motionhouse's daring dance-circus production WILD - all right in the middle of the Oval Car Park!
The vibrant and anarchic theatre company The Pantaloons is bringing outdoor theatre to the recently transformed Nottingham Castle this summer! Check out their delightfully innovative and hilarious adaptation of Pride & Prejudice or join them on a voyage to an enchanted island full of adventure, romance, magic and monsters with their rendition of Shakespeare's The Tempest! How about some outdoor cinematic magic with a showing of The Princess Bride?
Could there be anything cosier than watching one of your favourite films on a warm summer night, snuggled up in a blanket or camping chair, right in the middle of the woods? Nott’s Maze partnered up with Sunset Cinema Club for a brilliant outdoor cinema experience from 3 July – 18 September 2021. With Freshly made food, snacks, a licensed bar and blockbusters like the Harry Potter series, Mamma Mia 2, A Star is Born, Goonies and many more!
Unwind with family and friends this summer with Reel Outdoor cinema events, spread across five different locations in Nottinghamshire from the 4th – 8th August! If you like animation or family friendly fun, then a Mini Reel afternoon showing with the likes of Aladdin or Tom & Jerry is perfect for you and the little ones. Go for the classics and reminisce with Dirty Dancing or Rocketman and Grease for a good singalong. Magic and crime go hand in hand with Now You See Me and if you like something a little darker, then check out Joker.
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Whether you're a true Shakespeare fan or need a gentle introduction into the world of Shakespeare, don't miss the performances of the 'Twelfth Night'. From 2 - 11 September 2021, the Nottingham Shakespeare Company will be bringing fresh, contemporary, accessible interpretations of the Bard to everyone in Nottingham and beyond - for FREE! Click here for more information.
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.
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