5 min readWatch dramatic Shakespeare performances and family-friendly shows alfresco this summer!
Here's our guide to the outdoor shows you won't want to miss, both in the heart of the city and nearby countryside...
As You Like It at Boiling Wells Amphitheatre (Sun 21 June)
Head to a tucked-away corner of St Werburghs for this hilarious adaptation of Shakespeare's popular comedy, a wild ride of wooing, hilarious mistaken identity and the odd wrestling match.
Pirates of Penzance at Yeo Valley Organic Garden (Fri 26 June)
Enjoy this operetta in the beautiful Somerset countryside, as you follow Frederic, a young apprentice mistakenly bound to a band of tender-hearted pirates.
Macbeth at Yeo Valley Organic Garden (Wed 1 July)
A fun and energetic production of one of Shakespeare's best-known tragedies. Three Witches promise Macbeth the Scottish crown and along with his wife Lady Macbeth, they plot to kill the king. Things quickly start to unravel and before too long apparitions are making an appearance...
An Evening of Opera at Berkeley Castle (Sun 19 July)
Listen to your favourite arias and songs from the classic musical performed by four fabulous singers and a world-class string quintet. Highlights include the Flower Duet from Lakme by Delibes, Overture to William Tell by Rossini, Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better from Annie Get Your Gun, On the Street Where You Live from My Fair Lady and many more.
Image - Tyntesfield
Othello at Dyrham Park (Fri 24 - Sat 25 July)
Bring a picnic and come to see Shakespeare's heartbreakingly poignant play, presented by The Lord Chamberlain's Men in the garden at Dyrham Park. With a history stretching back to William Shakespeare himself, they present this great play as he first saw it, in the open air, with an all-male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.
Mr Browns Pig: The Woodland Puppet Show at Windmill Hill City Farm (Tue 28 July)
We all love a good old fashioned puppet show! Watch a series of stories played out with rod puppets, featuring dragons, princesses, woodland animals and pirates.
Image - Windmill Hill City Farm
Romeo and Juliet at Berkeley Castle (Wed 29 - Fri 31 July)
Rediscover Shakespeare's tale of star-crossed lovers in this bold new production from The Duke’s Theatre Company.
The Railway Children at Berkeley Castle (Sun 2 August)
Enjoy a brand new adaptation of E. Nesbit’s The Railway Children in the garden of Berkeley Castle, with performances at 11am and 3pm.
Treasure Island at Yeo Valley Organic Garden (Tue 11 August)
This swashbuckling, action-packed adventure for ages 6+ is bursting with high drama, swordfights, sea shanties and of course Long John Silver and his parrot Cap’n Flint in a brand new adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson family favourite.
The Wind in the Willows at Windmill Hill City Farm (Sat 15 August)
Take a seat in the cosy outdoor theatre at this city farm in Bedminster and follow the escapades of Mole, Ratty, Badger and the loveably roguish Toad.
Image - Dyrham Park
Peter Rabbit at Windmill Hill City Farm (Tue 18 August)
Join Peter and his naughty cousin Benjamin on their hair-raising adventure as they venture into Mr McGregor’s garden...
Treasure Island at Windmill Hill City Farm (Fri 21 August)
Join Long John Silver and his motley crew in this action-packed adventure for the whole family, as young Jim Hawkins finds himself in the world of pirates and plunderers after discovering a treasure map...
Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Governor’s Nose at Berkeley Castle (Tue 25 August)
Everyone’s favourite detective duo investigate the disappearance of a legendary painting in this production, adapted from two short stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
As You Like It at Yeo Valley Organic Garden (Wed 26 August)
Follow the adventures of four pairs of soulmates in the Forest of Arden, as Love is pushed to its limit in this Shakespeare comedy.
Image - Yeo Valley Organic Garden
More outdoor performances
Watch top comedians in the big tent in Queen Square at Bristol Comedy Garden, or join one of Show of Strength Theatre Company's theatrical walks around the city, from pirate escapades Blood, Blackbeard and Buccaneers, or gruesome tales of South Bristol's past in Blood and Butchery in Bedminster.
Image - Blood and Butchery in Bedminster theatre walk
Outdoor cinema
Bristol Film Festival's Clifton Summer Screenings return to the Mall Gardens in Clifton for a packed programme of film screenings from 2 - 5 July, including classics such as The Third Man, The Talented Mr Ripley, Stand By Me, Dirty Dancing, JAWS and Monty Python's Life of Brian, plus some kids' movies including Matilda, Paddington, An American Tail and Finding Nemo. Expect some fun sing-alongs too for Pitch Perfect and Mamma Mia!
Watch some film favourites in the pretty surroundings of Ashton Court Estate as Adventure Cinema comes to town from 28 - 30 August. This year's lineup includes Dirty Dancing, Sing, Star Wars: A New Hope, The Gruffalo and Stick Man, and Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza.
Read more:
