Enjoy outdoor theatre across Stroud district this summer
Residents and visitors are invited to make the most of long summer evenings with a vibrant programme of outdoor theatre set in some of Stroud district’s most beautiful locations, from historic gardens to parkland settings.
At the heart of the programme is The Museum in the Park which once again hosts a series of enchanting performances in its much-loved ‘secret garden’. This intimate space offers a unique way to experience live theatre up close.
The museum’s outdoor theatre season begins on Sunday 21 June at the Museum in the Park with The Emperor and the Nightingale, a magical interactive storytelling experience perfect for families, co-hosted by Stroud Valleys Project. Blending performance, dance and creativity, the event invites young audiences (5-10 years) to take part and create their own magical bird mask inspired by the story.
Later in the summer, the museum’s outdoor stage comes alive with a trio of touring productions. On 25 and 26 July, Jenny Wren Productions present Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Governor’s Nose, a lively detective adventure full of twists and humour. On 31 July, The Festival Players bring Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors to life with fast-paced comedy and mistaken identities. The season concludes on Friday 8 August with IKP’s delightfully daft Wizard of Oz, with two performances offering a fun, family-friendly day out.
More details on all Museum in the Park theatre: What's On Calendar — Museum in the Park
Outdoor theatre can also be enjoyed at Painswick Rococo Garden, where audiences can picnic on the Bowling Green while enjoying high-quality live performance. On Saturday 13 June, By A Lady: The Life and Wit of Jane Austen stars Juliet Stevenson and Rachel Parris in a witty and heartfelt celebration of Austen’s life and work, performed against a beautiful garden backdrop. The garden continues its summer programme with additional performances later in June (As You Like It by the HandleBards) and August (King Arthur and the Holy Fail), offering even more opportunities to enjoy theatre outdoors.
More details: By a Lady – The Life and Wit of Jane Austen | Rococo Garden, Painswick Glos
At Newark Park (National Trust), theatre-goers can soak up stunning views alongside classic drama. On 31 July, Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles promises an action-packed evening, followed by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night on 6 August, a lively, family-friendly production with music and audience interaction.
More details: Newark Park | Gloucestershire | National Trust
Finally, the dramatic setting of Woodchester Mansion hosts The Comedy of Errors on 13 August, offering the chance to experience Shakespeare in one of the district’s most striking historic buildings.
More details: Buy The Comedy of Errors - 13th August Tickets online - Woodchester Mansion Trust LIMITED
Cllr Martin Brown, Chair of Stroud District Council’s Community Services and Licensing Committee, said:
“Outdoor theatre is a fantastic way to bring people together and celebrate our district’s amazing green spaces and heritage. We’re especially proud of the programme at the Museum in the Park, which offers a truly special setting for live performance in the heart of Stratford Park.”
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