Why Outdoor Theatre Should be on Your Summer Bucket List

The last outdoor production I watched was As You Like It by The Handlebards, and it was so much fun that outdoor theatre will now forever be on my summer bucket list. This show was set in the gardens of Ordsall Hall, and we really enjoyed the humorous interpretation of this Shakespeare comedy with a picnic on a lovely sunny evening. So here’s why I think everyone should give any outdoor theatre a go this summer:

Summer is about spending time outdoors

Getting outside is what summer is all about, and open air theatre will be one of your most memorable summer activities.

The weather is all part of it

We may be in England and it may seem like a risk to book an open air show, but even if you aren’t as lucky as we were for As You Like It, it is still lots of fun. When I watched Pride and Prejudice at Brockholes the weather was windy and raining, and the cast simply made it part of the show in a hilarious way. And as long as you prepare for the worst (bring rainwear and warm clothes) it doesn’t have to spoil your fun.

The laid-back atmosphere

Set up your own deckchairs and blankets in plenty of space and enjoy the chilled atmosphere, good humour and some fresh air with your theatre.

Enjoy a picnic and a glass of prosecco

If eating a delicious picnic with a glass of prosecco in an al fresco setting isn’t appealing to you then we do not share a wavelength!

Discover beautiful locations

Every venue is different and it’s a chance to discover some of England’s nicest stately homes, nature reserves and gardens that you might never have heard of otherwise.

The prices are relatively cheap!

Tickets are cheaper than for regular theatre, which makes it a nice reasonably-priced summer activity. There are plenty of family shows too, so it’s a great activity for children without breaking the bank.

It’s a unique experience

Due to small casts playing several roles each and limited sets and costumes, open air theatre  productions have to be very creative and they are often interactive. So it’s something very different from your usual theatre experience.

I’ve decided that my summers won’t feel complete without an outdoor theatre experience, and there are plenty of options all over the country. Here are just some of the many places to watch outdoor theatre in the Manchester area for summer 2019:

Ordsall Hall

• Macbeth by The Three Inch Fools
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Rubbish Shakespeare Company
• Gangsta Granny by Heartbreak Productions
• The Tempest by the Handlebards
• Much Ado About Nothing by the Handlebards
• Wuthering Heights by Heartbreak Productions

Heaton Park

• Dracula by Feelgood Theatre 

Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens

• Gangsta Granny
• Wuthering Heights
• Private Lives
• Romeo & Juliet
• All by Heartbreak Productions 

Astley Park, Walled Garden

• Wuthering Heights
• Romeo & Juliet
• All by Heartbreak Productions 

Dunham Massey

• Wuthering Heights
• Pride & Prejudice
• The Secret Garden
• All by Chapterhouse Theatre Company 

Hoghton Tower

• Treasure Island by Chapterhouse Theatre Company

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