Berkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaw-house-newbury"><a href="https://booking.westberks.gov.uk/heritage_events.html#?location=Shaw%20House" 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. Strap in for a spot of Shakespeare on <strong>5 Jul</strong> with <em><a href="https://booking.westberks.gov.uk/heritage_events.html#?location=Shaw%20House" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Romeo and Juliet</a></em> &#8211; one of the playwright&#8217;s most revered tragedies bursting with mayhem, comedy, romance, and surprises. Bring the kids along to <em><a href="https://booking.westberks.gov.uk/heritage_events.html#?location=Shaw%20House" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Jungle Book</a></em> on <strong>10 Aug</strong> which sounds epic. Suitable for 4+. Just BYO seating or a blanket to get comfy on. The café will be open during both outdoor theatre performances selling snacks, drinks and ice cream.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-welford-park-nr-newbury"><a href="https://www.welfordpark.co.uk/event/hamlet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Welford Park</a>, nr Newbury</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="744" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/welford-outdoor-theatre.jpg" alt="outdoor theatre near me welford park" class="wp-image-79110" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/welford-outdoor-theatre.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/welford-outdoor-theatre-800x595.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/welford-outdoor-theatre-400x298.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/welford-outdoor-theatre-768x571.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>To go, or not to go that is the question. Us? We say GO. The outdoor theatre at Welford Park is always a showstopper (also home to <em>The Great British Bake Off</em> so excuse the pun), and this year <em><a href="https://www.welfordpark.co.uk/event/emma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twelfth Night</a></em> <strong>(Wed 5 Aug)</strong> and a show all about <em><a href="https://www.welfordpark.co.uk/event/hamlet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The (Almost) Complete History of Britain</a></em> <strong>(Sat 22 Aug)</strong> will take to the stage. In true Pantaloons Theatre Company style, expect comic turns and tragic twists, live music, and audience interaction. Adult tickets £15 and make sure to pack a picnic!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://stubbingsnursery.co.uk/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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>There is no question how fab the outdoor theatre productions at Stubbings in Maidenhead are. Lucky for you, there&#8217;s lots of al fresco action to sink your cultural chops into this summer. Start with Shakespeare’s <em><a href="https://stubbingsnursery.co.uk/events/shakespeares-as-you-like-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">As You Like It</a></em> <strong>(3 Jul)</strong> and buckle in for a wild ride of wooing, hilarious mistaken identity and the odd wrestling match. There&#8217;s <em><a href="https://stubbingsnursery.co.uk/events/pirates-penzance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pirates of Penzance</a></em> on <strong>25 Jul</strong>, before <em><a href="https://stubbingsnursery.co.uk/events/the-tales-of-peter-rabbit-and-benjamin-bunny/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny</a></em> <strong>(8 Aug)</strong>, Shakespeare’s <em><a href="https://stubbingsnursery.co.uk/events/shakespeares-othello/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Othello</a></em> <strong>(16 Aug)</strong>, and  <em><a href="https://stubbingsnursery.co.uk/events/the-jungle-book/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Jungle Book</a></em> <strong>(21 Aug)</strong> hits the stage filled with all the bonkers charm you&#8217;d expect. The season wraps with <em><a href="https://stubbingsnursery.co.uk/events/rogue-opera-carmen-reimagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rogue Opera – Carmen Reimagined</a></em> <strong>(29 Aug)</strong>. What a cracking line up! Tickets start at £20 for adults. Fret not, there&#8217;s also a bar.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abbey-ruins-reading"><a href="https://whatsonreading.com/venues/secret-shakespeare/whats-on/macbeth-abbey-ruins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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. From <strong>3 &#8211; 20 June</strong>, Secret Shakespeare will be performing <em><a href="https://whatsonreading.com/venues/secret-shakespeare/whats-on/julius-caesar-abbey-ruins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Julius Caesar</a></em> like you&#8217;ve never seen it before &#8211; with secret actors revealing themselves in the audience as the play unfolds. It sounds utterly brilliant. And honestly, you can&#8217;t beat it for a setting. After that, stick around. Progress Theatre are putting on a fresh and fast-paced interpretation of Shakespeare’s greatest play, <em><a href="https://whatsonreading.com/venues/progress-theatre/whats-on/hamlet-reading-abbey-ruins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hamlet</a></em>.&nbsp;If you&#8217;re the type to start yawning halfway through ACT II &#8211; this interpretation cuts to the chase, streamlining the narrative to preserve the core plot, the most memorable speeches and familiar quotes.&nbsp;See it <strong>15 &#8211; 25 Jul</strong>. Tickets for both on sale now.</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 the comedic retelling of <em><a href="https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/shp-events/a-midsummer-nights-dream/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Midsummer Night’s Dream</a></em> <strong>(15 Jul)</strong> with its quick character changes, playful invention, and a sparkle of silliness. It&#8217;s followed by <em><a href="https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/shp-events/jeeves-and-wooster-in-stiff-upper-lip-jeeves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeeves and Wooster in ‘Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves’</a></em> <strong>(29 Jul)</strong> where you&#8217;ll enjoy live jazz music, ill-fated romances, and comical escapades. Wrapping up the fun is <em><a href="https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/shp-events/secretgarden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Secret Garden</a></em> <strong>(21 &#8211; 31 Aug)</strong>, taking place in the lovely Italian Gardens. Couldn&#8217;t get closer to the mark than that really. Perfect for ages 6+.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corn-exchange-newbury"><a href="https://cornexchangenew.com/events?_gl=1*1vngryr*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjA5NzExMjM5OS4xNzc5OTc5OTE1*_ga_M4BFF7WBRE*czE3Nzk5Nzk5MTUkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzk5Nzk5MTUkajYwJGwwJGgw&amp;types=outdoor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Corn Exchange</a>, Newbury</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="992" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/05/668069010_1523786179754548_5503919363560357996_n.jpg" alt="open air theatre near me" class="wp-image-89001" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/05/668069010_1523786179754548_5503919363560357996_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/05/668069010_1523786179754548_5503919363560357996_n-800x529.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/05/668069010_1523786179754548_5503919363560357996_n-1000x661.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/05/668069010_1523786179754548_5503919363560357996_n-400x265.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/05/668069010_1523786179754548_5503919363560357996_n-768x508.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Roll up, roll up! For outdoor theatre shows that won&#8217;t cost you a single penny, get your behind to Newbury. First up, you can catch the iconic <em><a href="https://cornexchangenew.com/events/block?_gl=1*10zeufc*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjA5NzExMjM5OS4xNzc5OTc5OTE1*_ga_M4BFF7WBRE*czE3Nzk5Nzk5MTUkbzEkZzEkdDE3Nzk5Nzk5MjEkajU0JGwwJGgw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BLOCK</a></em> <strong>(21 Jun)</strong> which has been reimagined ten years on, combining highly skilled physical performance with an innovative set (aka 20 oversized Jenga blocks). The following month, <em><a href="https://cornexchangenew.com/events/watchful?_gl=1*10zeufc*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjA5NzExMjM5OS4xNzc5OTc5OTE1*_ga_M4BFF7WBRE*czE3Nzk5Nzk5MTUkbzEkZzEkdDE3Nzk5Nzk5MjEkajU0JGwwJGgw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watchful</a></em> <strong>(Sat 25 Jul)</strong> blasts one couple back to their 20s as you follow them through the decades. Finally, a spectacular outdoor performance inspired by Haitian culture takes to the streets on <strong>5 Sep</strong> with <em><a href="https://cornexchangenew.com/events/deblozay?_gl=1*10zeufc*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjA5NzExMjM5OS4xNzc5OTc5OTE1*_ga_M4BFF7WBRE*czE3Nzk5Nzk5MTUkbzEkZzEkdDE3Nzk5Nzk5MjEkajU0JGwwJGgw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deblozay</a></em>. It&#8217;s a wild nocturnal journey where performance, music and costume come together to create an otherworldly and joyous procession through the town. My advice? Get down early to grab a good spot.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-break-for-the-borders">BREAK FOR THE BORDERS</h2>



<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="giffords circus" 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-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giffords Circus</a>, which arrives at&nbsp;Stonor Park&nbsp;between <strong>25 Jun &#8211; 6 Jul</strong>. This year’s show <em>Waterfield</em> is inspired by the beauty of the English countryside (the stunning Cotswolds to be exact) and the creatures that call it home. Basically, just expect pure, unfiltered magic. Tickets for adults are from £23 and £14 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/whats-on/the-oxford-shakespeare-festival-2026/" 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" 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 16th annual <a href="https://www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk/whats-on/the-oxford-shakespeare-festival-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford Shakespeare Festival</a>, all taking place in the yard with the castle as a backdrop. First up is <em>Julius Caesar</em> <strong>(22 Jun &#8211; 4 Jul)</strong>. Next is <em>Macbeth</em> on <strong>6 Jul &#8211; 1 Aug</strong>, then <em>Romeo &amp; Juliet</em> plays <strong>3 -15 Aug</strong>. Fingers crossed for no rain. Buy tickets now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://openairtheatre.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 an outdoor theatre performance in <a href="https://openairtheatre.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Regent’s Park</a>. Their open air amphitheatre is truly something to behold. This year, there&#8217;s <em>A Life in Four Seasons</em> <strong>(11 &#8211; 14 Jun)</strong>, <em>A Midsummer Night&#8217;s Dream</em> <strong>(20 Jun &#8211; 18 Jul)</strong>, <em>CATS </em><strong>(25 Jul &#8211; 19 Sep)</strong> and <em>Anansi the Spider</em> <strong>(15 Aug &#8211; 6 Sep)</strong>. Magic.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/whats-on/best-festivals-berkshire/">Your ultimate Berkshire festival guide 2026</a></li>



<li><a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/whats-on/events-in-maidenhead-waterside-quarter/">The coolest events in Maidenhead? They all happen here</a></li>
</ul>


Catch Berkshire’s best al fresco theatre this summer

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