Theatre was born outdoors. From ancient Greek amphitheatres to the pageant wagons from which mystery and miracle plays were performed from the 10th through to the 16th century, actors and their audiences have been used to contending with the elements. In the Elizabethan era, courtyards and inn-yard theatres were replaced by purpose-built, open-roofed playhouses like London’s Globe Theatre.
In 2021 there’s even more reason to embrace outdoor entertainment and this year there are a number of must-see performances to look forward to, including three great plays being staged on the famous open-air stage at Tolethrope where the Stamford Shakespeare Company make a triumphant return having had a Covid-19 enforced break last year. The reopening comes with certain safety measures in place including a reduction in venue capacity and limited ticket sales to ensure social distancing.
Love’s Labour’s Lost, Humble Boy and The Importance of Being Earnest (sold out) are at Stamford Shakespeare, Tolethorpe through until the end of August. Tickets can be purchased from Stamford Arts Centre on 01780 756133. For performance dates and to find out more, go to Stamford Shakespeare Company.
Oh What a Night!, a tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons on Saturday June 26.
Enjoy an amazing night overlooking the fabulous Rutland Water with West End Stars Frankie’s Guys, as they perform a night to remember with all the hits and glitz with timeless classics such as, ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’, ‘Walk Like a Man’, ‘Sherry’, ‘Oh What a Night’.
Tickets from https://livepromotions.co.uk/frankies-guys/
Macbeth at Rockingham Castle on Thursday July 1.
The UK’s premier all male theatre company The Lord Chamberlain’s Men stage this classic tragedy play as Shakespeare himself first saw it performed – in the open air, by an all-male cast with Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. Buy tickets from https://www.rockinghamcastle.com/macbeth/
The Jungle Book Tour at Rutland Water (Sykes Lane) on Sunday July 4.
Immersion Theatre promise their wildest show yet, a brand-new musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Expect audience interaction with the chance to meet the characters after the show!
The Greatest Showman outdoor cinema at Oakham Castle Saturday July 10. Watch this fabulously uplifting film in the romantic setting of the grounds of our lovely castle with the stars sparkling above you.
Tickets from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/outdoor-cinema-the-greatest-showman-tickets-150774166591
