Best open-air theatres and cinemas
Here are the best open-air theatre and cinema shows to see in Surrey this August and September.
1. Slapstick Picnic
- Claremont Landscape Garden, Portsmouth Rd, Esher KT10 9JG
- 12 August
- Peter Pan: Tickets £19.50 (£12.50 child)
- Book here
The National Trust is hosting an exciting variety of events this summer, and Claremont Landscape Garden is setting up stage for a theatrical treat. Outdoor theatre company Slapstick Picnic- dedicated to "the celebration of silliness" and cramming classic tales full of fun and gleeful vigour for their audience to gorge on- will be performing their rendition of J M Barrie’s Peter Pan. The perfect family event that will have children and adults alike snorting with joy into their snacks.
Please bring your own low-backed seating and be prepared for any weather!
2. The Luna Cinema
ROBERT SMAEL
- Throughout Surrey
- Multiple dates in August and September
- Tickets range from free to £27.50
- Book here
A film with a view: The Luna Cinema is coming to multiple locations across Surrey this summer, offering a plethora of spectacular settings to become enraptured in a cinematic experience under the stars. Hampton Court Palace (3-6 August), the Guildford Cathedral (18-20 August), and Kew Gardens (30 August- 3 September) will all be host to this immersive open-air screening in the moonlight.
From some of our favourite feel-good classics to contemporary blockbusters that leave you suspenseful on the edge of your deckchair, the Luna Cinema is perfect for a date night, a family activity, an evening with friends, or a well-earned treat to yourself.
3. Smoking Apples Theatre
Smoking Apples Theatre Arbor
© Smoking Apples Theatre
- Box Hill, Tadworth RH5 6BY
- Arbor: Tickets are free! (Donations welcome)
- 20 August
Smoking Apples is performing a family-friendly outdoor puppet theatre performance for anyone to enjoy. The show is centred around environmental themes, narrating the tale of the journey of a tree forced from its home. Smoking Apples are committed to innovative and visually creative puppetry and rekindling interest in this theatrical art. The fun and educational performance of Arbor has both morning (11:00) and afternoon (15:00) performances and no booking is required.
4. This Is My Theatre
TIMT Much Ado
- Harlequin Outdoors; Reigate Castle Grounds, 2 High St, Reigate RH2 0AP
- Much Ado About Nothing: Tickets £15 (£13 child)
- 10 September
- Book here
One of Shakespeare's best, Much Ado About Nothing will be performed by TIMT in all its classic glory. The deviously and wonderfully humorous deceptive tale has its audience shaking with both mirth and frustration at its cleverly calculated dramatic irony. The charms of its timeless tricks combined with the live music and gorgeous backdrop of Reigate Castle come together to create a captivating atmosphere for this open-air performance.
5. Adventure Cinema
Adventure Cinema The Greatest Showman
- Ham House & Garden, Ham St, Ham, Richmond TW10 7RS
- The Greatest Showman sing-a-long: Tickets £15.50 (£9.50 child)
- 20 August
- Book here
Outdoor cinema meets garden karaoke in Ham House’s sing-a-long screening of The Greatest Showman. Take your singing from the shower into the open, among many other musical fanatics, with this summer evening cinema. Food and drink are available on-site, or feel free to bring along a picnic to enjoy with this event.
6. Three Inch Fools
- West Horsley Place, West Horsley, Leatherhead KT24 6AW
- Robin Hood: Tickets £17 (£10 child or £50 family)
- 8-9 September
- Book here
For more theatrical retellings of classics, come along to The Three Inch Fools’ performative disagreements on how the legendary tale of Robin Hood goes! Refusing to limit their play to just one version of this ancient folktale, the cast of only three are committed to taking their audiences on a hilarious journey of the many narratives of the famous outlaw. Undergoing impressively quick costume changes and playing 50 characters between them in just one show, whilst displaying their musical talent with all manner of instruments, their Robin Hood retellings are brimming with unique charm. This thoroughly entertaining show with its skilful cast is not something to miss this September!
7. The Pantaloons
The Pantaloons
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
- Farnham Cricket Club, cricket green, Folly Hill, Farnham GU9 0AU
- Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland: Tickets £8 (family discount available)
- 16 August
- Book here
Head down the rabbit hole of theatrical fun with The Pantaloons’ telling of the curiously wonderful Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland. With live music and audience interaction, become immersed in the story and all its wacky characters at Farnham Cricket Club. The critically acclaimed cast are committed to “vibrant and anarchic” performances which reflect a mosaic of popular theatre traditions woven into their plays, from commedia dell’art to silent movies.
Dedicated to providing accessible and fun theatre, The Pantaloons’ modestly priced tickets for this performance on the cricket green sets up a buzzing local atmosphere for families and friends to enjoy.
8. Cinestock
- Lingfield Park Racecourse, Racecourse Rd, Lingfield RH7 6PQ
- Mamma Mia: Tickets between £9.50 and £51
- 8 September
- Book here
Mamma Mia is a modern classic; a fun and comical feel-good musical packed with ABBA numbers and positively overflowing with wit and soul. If you’ve never seen it before, or if you’ve watched it many times over, don’t miss the opportunity to witness it on the big screen at Lingfield Park Racecourse. The open-air cinema offers a variety of packages, food and drink, and make sure to get there early for the live music before the screening!
9. The Meath
- The Meath, Westbrook Road, Godalming, GU7 2QH
- Elvis: Tickets £15
- 9 September
- Book here
Baz Luhrmann's Oscar-nominated Elvis is coming to the Meath’s outdoor cinema- a wonderful setting to appreciate this biographical drama and the fantastic music from the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Keeping the musical theme consistent, come along early for a drink and performance from the Meath choir. This is a fundraising event organised by the Meath Epilepsy Charity.
10. Heartbreak Productions
Heartbreak Productions
Photo by David Fawbert
- Harlequin Outdoors; Reigate Castle Grounds, 2 High St, Reigate RH2 0AP
- Bad Dad: Tickets £15 (£13 child)
- 2 September
- Book here
A little different from your usual theatrical classic, Heartbreak Productions will be performing a rendition of David Walliams’ Bad Dad. A light-hearted, joyful, and warming tale of a race-car driver turned getaway driver, and the tumultuous yet irreplaceable relationship between a father and son. It’s the perfect afternoon event for the family.
