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You are here > What's On > Outdoor Cinema & Theatre
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 2024 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.
Make sure to click the read more button below to see the full range of outdoor cinema & theatre options available throughout Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd June | 2024 | 7pm - 9.30pm daily
Hardwick Hall
£10 - £18
Experience a Tudor tale like no other with The Three Inch Fools as they bring "The Secret Diary of Henry VII" to the historic grounds of Hardwick Hall. Immerse yourself in the rollicking story of the young Henry VII as he navigates the treacherous twists of the Tudor court. Packed with humor, drama, and plenty of surprises, this outdoor performance has broad appeal—whether you're a history buff or just love a great night out. With reviews describing it as "laugh-out-loud funny" and "riotously fun," it's sure to be a memorable evening for all ages. Bring your picnic blankets, gather your friends and family, and prepare for a delightful evening under the stars. Tickets range from £10 to £18, and the performance includes a 20-minute interval. Don't miss out on this quintessentially British theatrical experience!
27th June | 2024 | 6:30PM - 8:30PM
Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre
Adult: £20 (£16 RSPB member), Child: £10 (£8 RSPB member)
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, brought to life by the talented cast of This Is My Theatre amidst the natural beauty of Sherwood Forest.
Step into the shoes of Dorothy and her companions as they embark on a quest filled with friendship, courage, and magic. From the moment the tale graced cinema screens in 1939, it has captivated audiences worldwide. Now, experience the story like never before, as you journey through the whimsical land of Oz.
Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion on their daring escapades, encountering quirky characters and overcoming challenges with humor and heart. Whether you're young or young at heart, this performance promises to delight audiences of all ages.
Nestled in the heart of Sherwood Forest, surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees, this outdoor theatre experience offers a truly magical setting. Bring along your friends and family, pack a picnic, and prepare for an evening under the stars that you won't soon forget.
Don't miss out on this unforgettable event—it's a spectacle that promises to be truly memorable. Plus, with free admission for children under 4 and registered carers/personal assistants, everyone can join in the adventure.
Friday 26 - Sunday 28 July 2024
Gates open at 8pm, screenings start at 9.30pm and finish at approximately 11.15pm
Newstead Abbey
Tickets: £9.50 - £21.50
Enjoy a range of family friendly films at Newstead Abbey. Catch Top Gun: Maverick (12), The Greatest Showman Sing-A-Long (PG), and Grease (PG) from 21st - 23rd July this year. You can expect a specially curated soundtrack of music to enjoy before each film.
Picnics and drinks welcome (no glassware), and no seating provided unless you have premium tickets. Blankets and camping chairs are allowed. On-site toilets will be available including accessible facilities. With the exception of registered assistance dogs, no animals are allowed at any of these events
Friday 2nd August 2024, 6.30pm
RSPB Sherwood Forest
£20 adults (£18 RSPB members)
£10 children (£9 RSPB members)
Shakespeare will be in Sherwood Forest this summer as This Is My Theatre perform the bard's much-loved mystical romance A Midsummer Night's Dream!
Packed with music, magic and plenty of mischief this is a tale which never fails to warm hearts and spread joy. The lush greenery and towering trees will provide the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable performance. So gather your friends and family, pack a picnic for a wonderful evening of theatre under the stars.
Thursday 25 July - Sunday 11 August 2024
Wollaton Hall & Deer Park
Thursday 25 July | Gates 6pm, show 7pm
Three Inch Fools: The Secret Diary of Henry VIII
Three Inch Fools present a brand new comedy of their own about one of England’s most epic monarchs. Don’t miss this mad-capped take on the epic life of King Henry VIII - an essential guide on how to keep your head in the Tudor Court.
Wednesday 7 August | Gates 5pm, show 6pm
Chapterhouse Theatre Company: Beauty & The Beast
When an arrogant prince is cursed to live as a hideous beast, his only hope is a kindly young woman in search of a rose. Presented with original music and sparkling humour in delightful settings from picturesque gardens to sweeping country parks, Chapterhouse Theatre Company’s lovely new adaptation of Beauty and the Beast is perfect for all the family!
Sunday 11 August | Gates 5pm, show 6pm
Folksy Theatre: Angelica Sprocket's Pockets
Angelica Sprocket lives next door. Her overcoat has pockets galore! And you’ll never guess what’s in them… Prepare to be surprised, thrilled and tickled pink by Angelica Sprocket’s never-ending pockets, and the marvellous things she keeps in them. Filled with Folksy’s touch of live music, puppetry, audience interaction and madness!
Saturday 20 July | Gates 6pm, show 7pm
Illyria Theatre Company: Romeo & Juliet
A passionate, poetic and utterly gripping production of this Shakespeare favourite. Shakespeare states in the opening lines of this play that we are going to see an explosive swash-buckling romance. But the surprise he has in store for us is that it’s extremely funny too! The Montagues and the Capulets are at war with one another - but when Montague’s son gatecrashes Capulet’s party in disguise and falls in love with Capulet’s daughter, a chain-reaction of events is set in motion which has a devastating conclusion.
Saturday 27 July | Gates 5pm, show 6pm
Pantaloons Theatre Company: Robin Hood
Join utter legends Robin, Marian and the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest for a hilariously adventurous take on the timeless tales of everyone’s favourite archer. Pernicious Prince John and the shifty Sheriff of Nottingham have hatched a plan to put a stop to Robin Hood’s charitable crime spree once and for all. Can they outwit the outlaw? Or will Robin hit the target once again? Find out in The Pantaloons’ original take on the classic tales and characters featuring live music and audience interaction!
Sunday 11 August | Gates 6pm, show 7pm
Three Inch Fools: The Comedy of Errors
The Comedy of Errors is Shakespeare’s shortest and wildest comedy. The clock is ticking as the Fools rush to untangle one almighty mess in this farcical tale. With musical instruments in hand, Three Inch Fools present a joyous take on this Shakespearean rib-tickler.
Friday 16 August | Gates 6pm, show 7pm
Chapterhouse Theatre Company: Little Women
Louisa May Alcott’s beloved coming of age story. This summer, meet headstrong Jo March and her sisters Meg, Amy, and Beth. Each sister is determined to pursue her own path in life, but though their dreams may be different, their family ties remain as true as ever. An uplifting and heartfelt tale of the March sisters’ journey into adulthood and all the trials and triumphs that come with it, Little Women features authentic costuming and a beautiful musical score.
Saturday 27th July, Wednesday 7th August & Friday 30th August | 2024 | 7pm - 10pm (doors 6pm)
Southwell Minster, Wollaton Hall and Newstead Abbey
From £12 (Under 5s go free)
Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer for a brand-new telling of this classic fairy tale. When an arrogant prince is cursed to live as a hideous beast, his only hope is a kindly young woman in search of a rose. Featuring a delightful cast of specially crafted puppets,
lively original songs and sparkling humour, Chapterhouse Theatre Company's rollicking new adaptation of Beauty and the Beast is perfect for all the family!
Chapterhouse Theatre Company produces critically acclaimed UK and international tours, specialising in Shakespeare, classic literature adaptations, and family shows. Originally founded to tour outdoor productions of Shakespeare in 1999, they have continued to grow and thrive. The new year marks the company's 25th anniversary of touring theatre, which celebrates a quarter-century of incredible shows including outdoor theatre, music concerts, and a yearly Christmas tour.
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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