Outdoor Theatre & Cinema 2025

There’s nothing more enchanting than an outdoor performance of a children’s classic, and we’re lucky to have quite a few options in our gorgeous local historic parks and gardens, which we’ve listed below. There are also evening performances of Shakespeare plays (never too soon to introduce the kids to Shakespeare!), and some cinema options at Kew Gardens (be quick, they’re selling out fast!) – what could be better on a warm summer’s day than enjoying good company, good food and a great film or play!

Chiswick House & Gardens – Theatre

• Tuesday 1st July, 7.00pm: Twelfth Night

Join The Lord Chamberlain’s Men this summer, in their 21st year, for Shakespeare’s greatest romantic comedy. With a history stretching back to William Shakespeare’s original company, they present this joyous play as he first saw it – in the open air, with an all male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.

• Saturday 5th July, 2.30pm: Alice Through The Looking Glass

Quantum Theatre bring their lively brand of comedy, music and magic to this timeless classic. With live music and all Carroll’s fantastical characters, this lively new version follows Alice’s adventures in the looking-glass world she enters through the mirror above her drawing-room fireplace.

• Tuesday 15th July – Saturday 19th July, 7.00pm & Sunday 20th July, 3.00pm: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Magic stirs in the heart of history as A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes root at Chiswick House & Gardens. Beneath the watchful gaze of its grand domes and towering trees, fairy mischief and moonlit enchantment await. Step into this timeless landscape, where Shakespeare’s beloved characters have been waiting for you. The gardens awaken once more, ready to cast their spell.

Ham House & Garden – Theatre

• Sunday 22nd June, 7.00pm: Twelfth Night

In their 21st year, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men return to Ham House and Garden with Twelfth Night. With a history stretching back to William Shakespeare’s original company, they present Twelfth Night as the playwright first saw it – in the open air, with an all-male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.

Kew Gardens – Cinema

Grab your popcorn and join us in front of the big screen at Kew’s outdoor cinema this summer, presented by Adventure Cinema. Simply grab your tickets, pack a picnic, take a blanket or camping chairs, and settle in for an evening of movie magic. Premium deck chairs are also available.

• Friday 20th June, 7.30pm: Wicked Singalong (PG)
• Saturday 21st June, 1.30pm: Moana 2 (U)
• Saturday 21st June, 6.30pm: Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza (PG)
• Sunday 22nd June, 11.00am: The Gruffalo & Stick Man (U)
• Sunday 22nd June, 3.00pm: Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration (PG)
• Sunday 22nd June, 7.30pm: Bridget Jones Diary (15)

Kew Gardens – Theatre

Theatre on Kew is delighted to once again partner with the Australian Shakespeare Company, who present exciting, accessible, contemporary productions of Shakespeare, children classics, and other plays.

• Selected dates 18th July – 31st August, 10.30am & 2.00pm: The Dream Fairies – Adventure To Bubble Land

Join the magical Dream Fairies as they go on an exciting musical adventure!

• Selected dates 18th July – 31st August, 7.30pm: Macbeth

This new, powerful and critically acclaimed production is fresh from a sold-out Melbourne season. Starring the ‘deeply compelling’ Hugh Sexton as Macbeth and ‘magnetic’ Nicole Nabout as Lady Macbeth, it makes the experience of watching Shakespeare al fresco something special.

• Selected dates 19th July – 31st August, 11.00am & 2.30pm: Alice In Wonderland

Join the fun in this enchanting world of song, dance, and interactive games that will leave the whole family dizzy and giddy with nonsense.

Osterley Park & House – Theatre

• Sunday 8th June, 7.00pm: Twelfth Night

Join The Lord Chamberlain’s Men this summer, in their 21st year, for Shakespeare’s greatest romantic comedy, Twelfth Night. With a history stretching back to William Shakespeare’s original company, they present this joyous play as he first saw it – in the open air, with an all male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.

• Sunday 13th July, 2.00pm: Robin Hood

Join Folksy Theatre for an open-air show filled with bold characters, live music, puppetry and audience interaction – it’s an event not to be missed!

• Sunday 3rd August, 6.00pm: Macbeth

The Duke’s Theatre Company’s production of Macbeth offers a reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. Known for its bold and innovative interpretations, the company brings a contemporary edge to the dark tale of ambition, murder and madness.

• Saturday 9th August, 7.30pm: Sense & Sensibility

DOT Productions returns to Osterley with an open air production of Jane Austen’s ‘Sense and Sensibility’. Heroes, heartbreak and debonair villains, all topped off with a dashing duel.

Strawberry Hill House – Theatre

• 5th July, 6.00pm: Much Ado About Nothing

Join the HandleBarbs troupe for a bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ like you’ve never seen before. In usual HandleBards style, expect riotous amounts of energy, a fair old whack of chaos, and a great deal of laughter.

Twickenham Town Centre – Theatre

• 14th – 19th June, 3.00pm & 7.45pm: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

A family friendly production of Shakespeare’s most magical story on an enchanted summer’s evening in York House Fountain Gardens.

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See also the extensive programme at Regents Park Open Air Theatre and The Globe Theatre on the Southbank, or for London-wide cinema, Time Out has a comprehensive guide here.

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