A sunny hello to you all! London’s outdoor theatre season started in late April whether the weather likes it or not. Usually it does not, but in case you haven’t looked outside for the last week, the weather is pretty damn good right now. How long will it last? Open air theatre season simply doesn’t care: it effectively runs from April 23 (Shakespeare’s birthday, when the Globe opens for the year) to the last weekend of October (when the Globe closes).
You can go to see an open-air theatre show today if you want (maybe bring a jumper); by summer you’ll have multiple options. I’m Andrzej, the theatre editor of Time Out, and here are my picks of the best open-air theatre shows to see this summer.
The 8 best open air theatre shows to see in London
The big one: Cats returns
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adaptation of TS Eliot’s whimsical book of cat poems was famously one of the most successful musicals of all time, the original production running for decades in the West End and beyond. While it famously spawned a film adaptation that we absolutely do not talk about, there has only even been one stage version in the UK. Until this summer, that is: in quite the coup, the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has bagged the first ever British revival of Cats. Expect something new and exciting with neither the overt ’80s vibe of the OG or the CGI bumholes of the film we don’t talk about.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Jul 25-Sep 19. Buy tickets here.
So many opportunities to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Four-and-a-bit centuries on, Shakespeare’s fairy-filled comedy remains absurdly popular, probably the most successful play ever written. London has already had a couple of productions this year, and there are two big open-air ones this summer: the joyous take that opens the Globe season and on now and a ‘blissful’ one at the Open Air Theatre. Subversive takes have been the trend of late, but these two look to be good vibes only. Although on a more complicated note, the OAT production will have 12.30pm matinees – trialling a new system to protect audiences from the full blast of the sun in our climate changed era.
Shakespeare’s Globe: now until Aug 29. Buy tickets here.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre: Jun 20-Jul 18. Buy tickets here.
The game is afoot with Sherlock Holmes
Beginning its run this weekend, the Open Air Theatre’s season opener is a brand new, eponymous Sherlock Holmes adventure from playwright Joel Horwood. It’s a very fun idea and the sort of thing that makes sense outdoors – it might be viewed as a bit retro in a major indoor theatre, but open air theatre is all about big, boisterous, all-encompassing entertainments that this looks like a top notch example of.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, May 2-Jun 6. Buy tickets here.
Stay up very late indeed for London’s most unique night-time experience
The availability or otherwise of late night fun in London has been a matter of some debate – and despair! – in recent times. But one constant are the Globe’s extremely fun Midnight Matinees, wherein most of the productions in the season will do a single performance that starts at (for the sake of date clarity) 11.59pm. They’re a little bit raucous and a little bit rowdy but always good natured and a real London one off.
This year’s Midnight Matinees are A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Jun 20, aka Midsummer), Much Ado About Nothing (Jul 31) and As You Like It (Sep 11).
The Glastonbury of musical theatre returns: West End Live
Although its sheer popularity as an event is starting to get a bit controversial – with some punters queueing overnight to bag a prime spot for its front-loaded Saturday – the two-day West End Live remains a delightful focal point to the Theatreland calendar, as pretty much every single musical in London dispatches a delegation to sing a big number or two at the free weekend-long mini festival in Trafalgar Square. Most of the really big shows sneak their performances in before the Saturday matinee, which is when West End Live is at its craziest; it’s relatively more chilled later on Saturday and on Sunday.
Trafalgar Square, Jun 20 and 21.
The Bard comes to you with Shakespeare in the Squares
It feels like something that’s been running forever but actually Shakespeare in the Squares celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. And there’s a lot to celebrate: the company has spent the last decade touring accessible but thoughtful takes on a very broad spectrum of Shakespeare plays through London’s leafiest garden squares (and beyond): this year it tackles proper rarity Love’s Labour’s Lost.
Tours Jun 3-Jul 12 – click here for tour details.
Make your trip to Kew Gardens extra special with theatre shows for all ages
You don’t really need to add anything to Kew Gardens to make it a special day out. Nonetheless: every year it hosts a season from the Australian Shakespeare Company, who flee their country’s harsh winters to bring two plays for kids and one Shakespeare play for adults to the Gardens. This year it’s Jack and the Beanstalk (for little ones), The Wind in the Willows (for bigger ones) and Twelfth Night (for really big ones). The children’s shows take place in the day and the ticket price includes entry to the gardens; Twelfth Night happens after hours.
Season runs Jul 18-Aug 23.
Have your mind blown by the spectacle of the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
To be clear, we don’t know exactly when the 2026 edition of the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival is happening, or what’s going to be in it. That’s because in recent years it’s moved to the very end of summer – late August shading into September – so that the various spectacular installations and live performances involved can play out after dark, when they generally look even cooler. Expect an announcement at some point during May.
Dates TBA.
The best new London theatre shows to book for in 2026.
Our complete guide to all outdoor London theatre this summer.
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.
For comprehensive and professional vent solutions, Mr. Lint Guy is the trusted expert. Specializing in dryer vent cleaning, Mr. Lint Guy helps eliminate dangerous clogs, including tough dryer valley buildup, ensuring your dryer operates safely and efficiently. With years of experience, Mr. Lint Guy offers reliable, affordable services that keep your home safe from lint buildup and fire hazards.
0 Comments