*Photo credit: National Trust / David Leveson*

Nothing says summer like alfresco entertainment under the stars. From gardens to castles, there’s some beautiful venues in Surrey to enjoy open-air theatre. Prosecco packed, curtain up!

Guildford Shakespeare Company at Guildford Castle Gardens & town centre

Guildford Shakespeare Company's Romeo and Juliet, 2024 — Guildford Shakespeare Company are taking to the streets

In celebration of GSC’s 18 years of theatre-making, this summer they’re combining all their resources into ONE huge open-air show. Shakespeare’s exhilarating love story will burst onto the streets of Guildford as they retell Verona’s timeless tale across some of Guildford’s most iconic landmarks. The professional cast will be joined by a community chorus, made up from local performers, schools, colleges and GSC’s own drama clubs.

■ Romeo & Juliet (21 June – 13 July)

West Horsley Place, West Horsley

This summer sees a wonderful and varied program of adult open-air theatre and family fun performed outdoors in the Home Paddock against the stunning backdrop of West Horsley Place. From Shakespeare to charming children’s classics, pack up a picnic and cosy blankets for these must-see al fresco events.

■ The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, Quantum Theatre Co (23 July)

■ Spitfire Patrol, Garret Theatre Co (9 August)

■ The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle, Illyria Theatre Co (22 August)

■ Romeo & Juliet, Illyria Theatre Co (3 September)

Painshill, Cobham

Head to Painshill for a choice of brilliant open-air theatre productions this summer including cycling Shakespearean actors who carry all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes (no really). Or for something more sedate what about Sherlock Holmes, and his assistant Doctor Watson, tackling the most baffling case of their careers in a cheeky but chilling adaptation.

■ The Comedy of Errors, The Handlebards (13 July)

■ Julius Caesar, Oddsocks (17 July)

■ Romeo & Juliet, Illyria Theatre Co (21 July)

■ The Gondoliers, Illyria Theatre Co (28 July)

■ A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night, Four Forty Theatre – double bill (2 August)

■ The Hound of the Baskervilles, Illyria Theatre Co (15 August)

Kew Gardens, Richmond

A Midsummer Night's Dream at Kew Gardens — A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Kew Gardens

Theatre on Kew has partnered again with the Australian Shakespeare Company, to bring exciting, accessible, contemporary productions of Shakespeare and children classics for you to enjoy with a dinky pork pie. Open-air theatre in a stunning location!

■ Wind in the Willows (selected dates 20 July to 1 September, daytime)

■ The Dream Fairies – Adventure to Bubble Land (selected dates 19 July to 1 September, daytime)

■ A Midsummer Night’s Dream (selected dates from 20 July to 1 September, evening performances)

Hatchlands Park, East Clandon

The Immersion Theatre's production of Peter Pan. — The Immersion Theatre

Visit National Trust gem Hatchlands Park this summer for their series of open-air theatre on the lawn. Delight in the fantasy and comedy of Shakespeare or fly away to Neverland with a magical children’s performance.

■ Hamlet, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men (28 July)

■ A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Immersion Theatre (8 August)

■ Peter Pan, Immersion Theatre (24 August)

Castle Grounds, Reigate

Dukes Theatre Company open-air production of As You Like It — As You Like It by The Dukes Theatre Company.

Grab your chair or blanket, weather-appropriate gear, a few nibbles, and prepare to be entertained this summer at Harlequin Theatre Outdoors, now in its 4th year, with five events, including Shakespeare plays and kids’ classics in the beautiful setting of Reigate Castle.

■ Romeo & Juliet, Illyria Theatre Co (26 June, evening)

■ 5 Children & It, This is My Theatre (28 August, daytime)

■ A Midsummer Night’s Dream, This is My Theatre (28 August, evening)

■ As You Like It, The Duke’s Theatre Company (4 September, evening)

■ The Gondoliers, Illyria Theatre Co (7 September)

Arundel Castle, Arundel

You’ve just two nights to catch the romantic Shakespeare classic at the stunning surrounds of Arundel over the border in Sussex so get booking!

■ Romeo & Juliet, Illyria Theatre Co (16 & 17 August)

Dorking Halls – Plays In The Park, Meadowbank Park

Bottom and Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream by Four Forty Theatre.

The theatre is moving outside for one (hopefully) sunny Saturday in July with three performances back-to-back. So head to Dorking’s Meadowbank Park with all the family – just bring something to sit on. There will be plenty of food and drink on offer from local vendors, plus toilets! The show will go on despite rain, so if showers are forecast, make sure you bring an umbrella.

■ Mrs Armitage On Wheels, Scoot Theatre (20 July, 11am)

■ A Midsummer Night’s Dream & Twelfth Night, Four Forty Theatre (20 July, 2pm)

■ Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club (20 July, 7pm)

Hever Castle, Kent

Theatre at Hever Castle in Kent. — Festival Theatre at Hever Castle

Just over the border in Kent at the picture-perfect Hever Castle you can enjoy a whole summer of outdoor events. The festival theatre in the grounds is the longest running open-air theatre in the South East – happily now with no risk of rain as they have a new structure for 2024 with every seat undercover. The program is huge with something for everyone from Peter Pan, The Wind in the Willows and Romeo & Juliet to tributes like The Taylor Swift Show and The Beatles For Sale alongside comedy, Shakespeare, Jazz and children’s classics – there really are too many to mention and all in the glorious surrounding of Anne Boleyn’s former home.

■ Full listings here. Dates from now until 2 September.

Regents Park Theatre, London

Open air theatre in Regent's Park, London — Regent’s Park

Finally if you are venturing into London you simply must head to Regents Park and their huge famous open air theatre. For summer 2024 there are two long running shows to enjoy The Secret Garden & Fiddler on the Roof plus some one- off music events.

■ The Secret Garden (15 June – 20 July)

■ Fiddler on the Roof (27 July – 1 September)

■ Full listing here.

Going out out! 10 open-air theatres to enjoy in Surrey and surrounds

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