Is there a better way to spend a summer evening than at an outdoor theatre in London? Performances under the stars? Sign us up.
Vonder's all-in-one living solution gives you the time to explore all that the city has to offer. This summer, we explore our favourite outdoor theatres in London. From the well-established to those opening for the first time this year, we take a look at the best outdoor venues for performance and art in the capital over the next few months.
Iris Theatre Summer Festival, St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden
This West End location is also sometimes referred to as the Actors’ Church because of its long support for the world of theatre and performance within the area. This summer, their ten-week run of performances will focus on the work of new performers in a nod to London’s up and coming talent. Founded in 2007, they have firmly established their reputation as providing a welcoming venue and opportunities for new and mid-career artists and performers to build their experience and exposure. They are doing important things to encourage artists from across the country.
Iris Theatre. Image by Sophie Thomas.
Greenwich & Docklands International Festival, South London
Held every year, this festival returns this August in locations across South London and the Docklands. They aim to bring new life to public and community spaces, and, in the process, make art and cultural sharing more accessible. This year, its events and performances will cover a wide range of social and cultural issues, including Black Lives Matter, climate change and how we build strong communities regardless of external events and struggles. Don’t miss the launch of the festival, which will see Dan Archer’s Northern Lights, Borealis installation lit up across the sky. This outdoor theatre in London is not to be missed.
Greenwich & Docklands International Festival. Image from Festival.org.
Shakespeare’s Globe, London
Enjoy outdoor theatre by the Thames with the opening of this one-of-a-kind replica Elizabethan playhouse. Enjoy timeless classics from Romeo and Juliet to A Midsummer Night’s Dream in this truly unique location and venue. Be fully transported back in time as you enjoy great performances under the stars, in much the same way audiences did in the days of Shakespeare. This venue also doubles as an education centre and cultural attraction and is determined to share Shakespeare’s legacy amongst a wide variety of audiences.
The Globe Theatre. Image from Secret London.
Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, London
This is one of our favourite open-air theatres in London, set in the very heart of Regent’s Park. Enjoy both that connection with nature and some award-winning performances at the same time. Established in 1932, this London landmark received the London Theatre of the Year in the Stage Awards 2021. The theatre is also committed to making sure access to their performances includes residents and community members, and they work closely with several London charities to get disadvantaged children and at-risk children into the arts both as spectators and performers. That’s our kind of community space.
The Outdoor Theatre at Regents Park. Image from Stylist.
This summer, there are plenty of ways to combine the great outdoors and support and enjoy the arts. Better yet, opt for the above outdoor theatres that are also working to promote the sharing of cultural experiences and participation amongst their local and wider London communities. If you aren’t interested in outdoor theatre but still want to explore the city, read about swimming pools in London.
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