Outdoor theatre at Polseden Lacey in Surrey. — *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 live theatre performance in the open-air. Prosecco packed, curtain up!

Guildford Shakespeare Company at Braboeuf Manor

Guildford Shakespeare Company outdoor theatre. — Guildford Shakespeare Company

Enjoy two Shakespeare comedies set against the beautiful backdrop of Historic England’s Braboeuf Manor, formerly known as the College of Law on Portsmouth Road. Stroll the idyllic gardens, sip your Pimms and snack on picky bits. What could be better?

■ Love’s Labour’s Lost and Much Ado About Nothing (alternating performances Wed 1 – Sat 25 July 2026 – see schedule here)

Bel and the Dragon, Churt

The garden at Bel and the Dragon in Churt, Surrey. — The gardens at Bel and the Dragon

Enjoy some alfresco culture this summer at the pub, with two evenings at Muddy favourite the Bel and the Dragon. Expect Rogue Opera’s spectacular showcase of much-loved favourites on the garden stage. It’s followed by a twist of intrigue as the Old Joint Stock Theatre Company brings Sherlock Holmes to life outdoors in a gripping garden-set murder mystery.

■ Opera in the Garden (Thur 9 July)
■ Sherlock Holmes (Fri 28 August)

Theatre on Kew at Kew Gardens, Richmond

Australian Shakespeare Company's outdoor theatre production of Macbeth. — The Australian Shakespeare Company

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. This summer, choose from two daytime productions. There’s The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale of life on the riverbank or Jack & the Beanstalk, a magical family show. Or enjoy an evening performanc of Twelfth Night, one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies.

■ Twelfth Night (Sat 25 July to Sat 30 August) ■ The Wind in the Willows (Sat 18 July – Sat 23 August) ■ Jack & the Beanstalk (Sat 18 July – Sat 23 August)

Hatchlands Park, East Clandon

The Lord Chamberlain's Men bring their outdoor theatre show of Twelfth Night on tour this summer. — The Lord Chamberlain’s Men perform *Photo credit: Jack Offord.*

Visit National Trust gem Hatchlands Park this summer for a programme of open-air theatre on the lawn. From Shakespeare’s tales of love and deception to swashbuckling pirates and musketeers, plus vibrant retellings of The Jungle Book and Pinocchio, it’s a season of storytelling made for long evenings outdoors.

■ The Pirates of Penzance (Thurs 23 July) ■ Othello (Sun 26 July) ■ Romeo and Juliet (Sat 1 August) ■ The Three Musketeers (Sun 2 August) ■ Pinocchio (Fri 14 August) ■ Jungle Book (Sun 23 August)

Castle Grounds, Reigate

This is My Theatre's outdoor production of Pride and Prejudice. — A production at Reigate Castle Grounds

Grab a blanket, pack a few nibbles and wrap up for the evening – outdoor theatre returns to Reigate Castle ruins. The stage is set for The Great Gatsby, where champagne sparkles, jazz drifts through the air and the glittering illusion of the American Dream unfolds beneath the open sky.

■ The Great Gatsby (Thurs 2 July)

The Horton, Epsom

LAStheatre perform Caspian's Storm alfresco.

Enjoy a fantastic theatre experience for children aged 3+, taking place in The Horton’s Gardens. Packed with puppetry, music and laughs, Caspian’s Storm is a fast-paced, interactive show for the young and young at heart. With LAStheatre’s trademark quirky humour, toe-tapping music, and a message about protecting our environment, it’s a great family show. If Shakespeare is more your thing later that month enjoy A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Four Forty productions.

■ Caspian’s Storm (Sat 8 August) ■ A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Wed 26 August)

Dorking Halls: Plays In The Park

Theatre in Dorking Park — Plays in the park by Dorking Halls

The stage is set under summer skies at Meadowbank Park in Dorking as Four Forty Theatre invite you into their outrageous take on Shakespeare’s most magical comedy. A Midsummer Night’s Dream follows runaway lovers, magical creatures, and a group of very determined actors who find themselves in over their heads. With quick character changes, playful invention, and a sparkle of silliness, Four Forty transform the classic into a joyful afternoon of theatre for audiences of all ages

■ A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Sat 18 July)

Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham

The Cat's Grin Theatre Company at Polesden Lacey National Trust venue near Guildford, Surrey. — A performance at Polesden Lacey (Photo credit: The Cat’s Grin Theatre Company)

Bring your deck chairs, blankets and a picnic and settle in for theatre alfresco in the gorgeous grounds of Polesden Lacey. The former home of Edwardian socialite Dame Margaret Greville has plenty on offer – for both kids and grown-ups. Enjoy lively comedy inspired by Chaucer and commedia dell’arte, embrace your inner rock star with folklore’s most notorious villain and experience two of Shakespeare’s greatest plays like they have never been seen before.

■ Big Bad Wolf: Rock Musical (Sat 4 July) ■ The Wife (Sun 5 July) ■ Macbeth (Sat 11 July) ■ Much Ado About Nothing (Sat 18 July and Wed 22 July)

Guildbury’s Picnic Theatre, Merrist Wood, Worplesdon

Outdoor theatre at Merrist Wood. — Outdoor theatre at Merrist Wood

Fake News, Mass hysteria and Social Media witch hunts? They aren’t new. It started in Salem. Pack a picnic and enjoy Arthur Miller’s iconic classic The Crucible performed open air by the Guildbury Company.

■ The Crucible (Wed 15 – Sat 18 July)

Claremont Live at Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher

The Secret Garden performed outdoors at Claremont Landscape Gardens in Esher, Surrey. — A performance at Claremont Gardens.

Enjoy open-air theatre at its best against the beautiful backdrop of Claremont’s lake and amphitheatre with an open-air performance and live music in the garden. Bring your deck chairs and picnics and enjoy Shakespeare with the magnificent amphitheatre as your backdrop, or enjoy Saturday afternoons in August as fantastic local bands take to the lawn.

■ A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Thurs 9 July) ■ Live music events (Wed 1, Wed 8, Wed 15 and Wed 22 August)

Go alfresco! The best open-air theatre in Surrey this summer

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