A performance in the open air gives extra excitement. A feeling that theater should always be this way: intimate and less formal, communal; the audience and the artists together. And all at the mercy of the weather.
Nature plays a prominent role in this industry and will often dictate programming and whether a show goes on or not. The National Trust recently shared that they would be pausing productions on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, a protected area of special scientific interest, after 60 years due to the impact of the events on the landscape. Positively managing this impact is an ongoing discussion.
Britain has a long history of performing under starry skies, with the earliest documented in Roman times. Medieval mystery plays and the rise of Shakespeare in the Elizabethan era saw more open-air theaters open and many are still open today, where you can enjoy an outdoor performance - especially during the summer months - surrounded by the beauty of nature. Here are some of the best.
The Roman Theater of St. Albans
Built in 140 AD as part of the historic Roman city of Verulamium, the Roman Theater of St Albans was most extensively excavated in the 1930s by a team that included the pioneering archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon. An annual summer festival full of theater and music is now held at this attractive location in the English countryside, with room for 300 people in the semi-circular hall. To accompany a live performance, history buffs can visit the excellent Roman Verulamium Museum.
Where to stay: Less than 10 minutes' drive away is Sopwell House, which has double rooms from £249 per night.
The Minack Theatre, Cornwall
Built into the granite cliffs on the south coast of Cornwall in the 1930s, this 550-seat open-air theater hosts more than 200 live performances a year, a wide variety of plays, musicals, opera and children's events. The story of Rowena Cade, the woman who built the theater, largely with her own hands, is fascinating, and visitors to the theater also have access to an exhibition about her life's work. The view of Porthcurno Bay from the theater is spectacular. Porthcurno Beach with its clear waters is often touted as the best beach in Cornwall.
Where to stay: Chapel House Penzance has double rooms from £150 per night. Popular eatery The Cornish Barn is a two-minute walk away.
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London
This impressive open-air theatre, also founded in the 1930s, in one of London's most famous parks, has a capacity of 1,304 people. The summer season is a mix of Shakespeare plays, musicals, contemporary drama and shows for families. Many famous actors have appeared on stage, including Dame Judi Dench, who is now the theatre's patron.
Where to stay: Dorset Square Hotel in nearby Marylebone has double rooms from £316 per night.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London
A reconstruction of the original Globe Theater built in 1599, the Globe Theater's summer program combines classical productions with contemporary adaptations of Shakespeare's works. Buy a standing ticket for the yard and you are considered a 'groundling'. Actors interact with the audience here as they would in Shakespeare's time, as they move through the crowd. Borough Market, Tate Modern and the National Theater are all close by.
Shakespeares Globe Theater (020 7401 9919; shakespearesglobe.com) has performances from March to October, and then a Christmas production runs from December to January, with tickets from £5 per person.
Where to stay: The Hoxton, Southwark has rooms from £195 per night.
Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, Chester
Chester was once a Roman fortress and the red sandstone Roman walls still surround the perimeter. The park's 500-seat outdoor theater is a newer development, established in 2010 and now offering a summer program of classics with a twist and family-friendly shows. Storyhouse, Chester's excellent cultural centre, run by the theatre's founders, is a 10-minute walk away.
Where to stay: Centrally located five-star hotel The Chester Grosvenor has double rooms from £162 per night.
Thorington Theatre, Suffolk
This wooden amphitheater was built in a crater, probably the result of bombing during the Second World War. Located on a farm in Suffolk growing organic chestnuts and walnuts, the rural location offers an eclectic mix of theatre, music, comedy and children's entertainment. If you have time to explore the area, the Suffolk Heritage Coast is close by and is home to a range of beautiful beaches.
Where to stay: Husk, a five-minute drive from the theatre, is a supper club with accommodation (07733 262797; huskthorington.co.uk), with rooms in a converted barn from £260 per night.
John Andrews Theatre, Pwllheli
This 250-seat open-air theater is located in the woodland entrance to Wales' oldest art gallery, Plas Glyn-y-Weddw. Classic plays, adaptations and concerts take place against the beautiful backdrop of Cardigan Bay and the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia). The gallery is well worth a visit, and the popular cafe on site is an otherworldly domed building created by sculptor Matt Sanderson. There are various circular walks possible through the forest, including part of the Wales Coastal Path.
Where to stay: The Portofino-inspired Hotel Portmeirion has rooms from £214 per night.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre
This outdoor venue is set in the hills of the Scottish Highlands, in the Explorers Gardens of the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. The compact 120-seat amphitheater hosts a mix of opera, musicals and drama, surrounded by views of Ben-Y-Vrackie Mountain. Walkers wanting to experience more of the scenery can visit Loch Faskally, where you can hire canoes and boats to take in the panoramic views of the Highlands from the water.
Where to stay: Fonab Castle Hotel has rooms from £238 per night. Try the restaurant at nearby Saorsa 1875, known for its plant-based menu.
Willow Globe, Powys
The Willow Globe, or Glob Byw in Welsh, is a reduced version of Shakespeare's 16th century Globe, planted entirely from willow. This imaginative and intimate outdoor stage hosts Shakespeare plays and events during the summer season, seating around 100 people. Gilfach Nature Reserve is just a few miles away, and Bradleys in Llandrindod Wells is a great place to stop for tapas.
Where to stay: Lake Country House Hotel & Spa in Llangammarch has rooms from €211 per night.
