Berkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaw-house-newbury"><a href="https://booking.westberks.gov.uk/heritage_events.html?event_id=2027026&amp;companyId=37003" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shaw House</a>, Newbury</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/immersion-theatre-copy.jpg" alt="Best outdoor theatre in Berkshire" class="wp-image-65778" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/immersion-theatre-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/immersion-theatre-copy-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/immersion-theatre-copy-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/immersion-theatre-copy-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Immersion Theatre is a multi-award-winning company taking a few productions outside this summer – and they&#8217;re making a stop at the historic Shaw House in Newbury. Soar away to Neverland &#8211; a magical rendition of <em><a href="https://booking.westberks.gov.uk/heritage_events.html?event_id=2027026&amp;companyId=37003" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Pan</a></em> is flying in with faith, trust, and pixie dust on 12 Aug. Don&#8217;t miss <em><a href="https://www.chooseyourevent.co.uk/event/229874/outdoor-theatre-a-midsummer-night-s-dream" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Midsummer Night’s Dream</a></em> on 4 Aug too &#8211; just BYO seating or a blanket to get comfy on. The café will be open during both performances selling snacks, drinks and ice cream.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abbey-ruins-reading"><a href="https://progresstheatre.co.uk/reading-open-air">Abbey Ruins</a>, Reading</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="780" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/359805410_666939458789499_7266411746307727405_n-e1689242490638.jpg" alt="Twelfth Night Progress theatre abbey ruins Reading" class="wp-image-53123" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/359805410_666939458789499_7266411746307727405_n-e1689242490638.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/359805410_666939458789499_7266411746307727405_n-e1689242490638-800x624.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/359805410_666939458789499_7266411746307727405_n-e1689242490638-400x312.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/359805410_666939458789499_7266411746307727405_n-e1689242490638-768x599.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/359805410_666939458789499_7266411746307727405_n-e1689242490638-673x525.jpg 673w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;re looking for a backdrop that&#8217;s atmospheric, dramatic and nails the period brief, then Reading&#8217;s Abbey Ruins is it. This July, Progress Theatre will be performing <em><a href="https://progresstheatre.co.uk/reading-open-air" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Importance of Being Earnest</a></em> (17 &#8211; 27 July) &#8211; Oscar Wilde&#8217;s renowned comedy about two bachelors who create alter egos named Ernest to escape their tiresome lives. Mood. Tickets on sale now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://stubbingsnursery.co.uk/">Stubbings</a>, Maidenhead</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/06/1-16.jpg" alt="Stubbings outdoor theatre berkshire" class="wp-image-52146" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/06/1-16.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/06/1-16-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/06/1-16-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/06/1-16-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/06/1-16-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>To be, or not to be, that is the question. There is however, no question about how fab the outdoor theatre productions at Stubbings in Maidenhead are. On 12 June see Shakespeare’s <em><a href="https://stubbingsnursery.co.uk/events/hamlet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hamlet</a></em> on the stage as the play begs the answers to life&#8217;s biggest questions. On 8 Aug, it&#8217;s a family affair with a delightful adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s <em><a href="https://stubbingsnursery.co.uk/events/jemima-puddleduck/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck</a></em>. Just remember to bring a chair and a picnic. Tickets start at £16 for adults. There&#8217;s a bar too. Whoopee!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-hill-park-bracknell"><a aria-label="South Hill Park (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Hill Park</a>, Bracknell</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/10/South-Hill-Park-aerial.png" alt="South Hill Park aerial Best outdoor theatre in Berkshire" class="wp-image-38031" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/10/South-Hill-Park-aerial.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/10/South-Hill-Park-aerial-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/10/South-Hill-Park-aerial-720x480.png 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/10/South-Hill-Park-aerial-150x100.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/10/South-Hill-Park-aerial-768x511.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/10/South-Hill-Park-aerial-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Muddy Award winning South Hill Park is a hidden Berkshire gem – a grand design with stunning gardens and an amphitheatre for a summer season of outdoor theatre. Don’t miss this musical version of <em><a href="https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/shp-events/the-adventures-of-doctor-doolittle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle</a> </em>on Sun 2 June performed with flair and wit by Illyria in the great outdoors. Suitable for 5+, tickets from £16.50. Enjoy enchanting family opera <a href="https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/shp-events/the-gondoliers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Gondoliers</em></a> al fresco on 26 July too, plus <em><a href="https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/shp-events/great-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Expectations</a></em> on 4 July, <em><a href="https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/shp-events/the-tale-of-jemima-puddle-duck/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck</a></em> on 4 Aug, and <em><a href="https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/shp-events/the-railway-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Railway Children</a></em> 16 Aug.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-national-trust-multiple-locations"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/whats-on/outdoor-spots-for-theatre-music-and-film" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Trust</a>, multiple locations</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/visitors-open-air-theatre-performance-garden-shugborough-estate-staffordshire-1440836.jpg" alt="Best outdoor theatre in Berkshire" class="wp-image-65779" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/visitors-open-air-theatre-performance-garden-shugborough-estate-staffordshire-1440836.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/visitors-open-air-theatre-performance-garden-shugborough-estate-staffordshire-1440836-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/visitors-open-air-theatre-performance-garden-shugborough-estate-staffordshire-1440836-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/visitors-open-air-theatre-performance-garden-shugborough-estate-staffordshire-1440836-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Lots of outdoor theatre to sink your teeth into at a multitude of National Trust properties in the area. Start with The Vyne in Basingstoke where <em><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/the-vyne/events/9165cd52-8931-40de-875f-b90b72894f2a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Importance of Being Earnest</a></em> will be showing Sat 29 June, followed by <em><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/the-vyne/events/241af3e8-39d2-41d5-abf5-284d77ef3b21?origin=search" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle</a></em> on Fri 12 July. There&#8217;s <em><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/hinton-ampner/events/f2d0ec89-d035-4cbf-98d1-2002cf47b3ff?origin=search" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Expectations</a></em> on at Hinter Ampner near Alresford, Hampshire (21 &amp; 28 June), <em><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/waddesdon/events/d729a961-95e0-45f8-a741-657ffe58ae51?origin=search" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Richard II</a></em> at Waddeson Manor near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire (21 July), and finally <em><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/ham-house-and-garden/events/cbb4250a-5e2f-4df2-aabb-fc488770d4d5?origin=search" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hamlet</a></em> at Ham House in Richmond, Surrey (23 June). Bring a blanket or a comfy chair and settle in for a visual feast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stonor-park-near-henley-on-thames"><a href="https://www.stonor.com/events/giffords-circus-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stonor Park</a>, near Henley-on-Thames</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/2018-Tent-by-Gem-Hall-scaled-scaled-1.jpg" alt="Best outdoor theatre in Berkshire" class="wp-image-65784" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/2018-Tent-by-Gem-Hall-scaled-scaled-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/2018-Tent-by-Gem-Hall-scaled-scaled-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/2018-Tent-by-Gem-Hall-scaled-scaled-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/2018-Tent-by-Gem-Hall-scaled-scaled-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Don’t miss the side-splitting madcap world of ever-popular <a href="https://www.stonor.com/events/giffords-circus-2024/">Giffords Circus</a>, which arrives at&nbsp;Stonor Park&nbsp;on 11 &#8211; 22 Jul. This year’s show will weave together a cast of acrobats, magicians, musicians and clowns from all over the world to combine poetry, music and performing arts, all set on the mythical island of&nbsp;<em>AVALON</em>. Tickets £20 for adults, £10 for kids 3-14. Back again this year, you can also book a rustic three course feast courtesy of Circus Sauce, Gifford’s travelling licensed restaurant.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxford-castle-and-prison-oxford"><a href="https://www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk/the-oxford-shakespeare-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford Castle and Prison</a>, Oxford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/image.png" alt="Oxford prison outdoor theatre" class="wp-image-52141" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/image.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/image-800x534.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/image-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/image-768x512.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/image-787x525.png 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There are three productions taking place during this year’s annual <a href="https://www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk/the-oxford-shakespeare-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford Shakespeare Festival</a>, all taking place in the yard with the castle as a backdrop. First up is double bill Romeo &amp; Juliet paired with Greek epic Troilus &amp; Cressida &#8211; two classic Shakespeare plays in one evening (17 &#8211; 29 June). Next is Twelfth Night on 1 &#8211; 27 July, then Hamlet plays 29 Jul – 10 Aug. Fingers crossed for no rain. Buy tickets (from £17) now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://openairtheatre.com/">Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre</a>, London</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/regents-park.jpeg" alt="london open air outdoor theatre" class="wp-image-65789" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/regents-park.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/regents-park-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/regents-park-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/regents-park-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It’s further afield, sure, but there’s something just so summer-defining about attending a performance in Regent’s Park. Their open air theatre is truly something to behold. This year, there&#8217;s <em><a href="https://openairtheatre.com/production/twelfth-night-or-what-you-will" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twelfth Night</a></em> on now &#8211; 8 Jun, <em><a href="https://openairtheatre.com/production/the-enormous-crocodile" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Enormous Crocodile</a></em> on 17 May &#8211; 8 Jun, <em><a href="https://openairtheatre.com/production/the-secret-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Secret Garde</a></em><a href="https://openairtheatre.com/production/the-secret-garden">n</a> on 15 Jun &#8211; 20 Jul, and <a href="https://openairtheatre.com/production/fiddler-on-the-roof" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fiddler on the Roof</a> on 27 Jul &#8211; 21 Sep. Magic.</p>


Keep it fresh! Best outdoor theatre in Berkshire and beyond

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