Unmissable Open Air Theatre Across Sussex This Summer

What better way to enjoy a summers evening than immersing yourself in an open air play. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespearean sonnets, or fancy a journeying down the rabbit hole with Alice in Wonderful and the kids; these open air theatres are set within some of the most stunning locations across East and West Sussex. From the sweeping lawns of Nymans National Trust Gardens, to the romantic ruins of Lewes Castle, we've picked the very best open air theatre productions taking place this summer, right here on our doorstep...

Let your imagination soar at this timeless tale of hapless pirates, feral children and a particularly punctual reptile! Slapstick Picnic are ripping up the recipe book and whipping up a theatrical treat like no other; a three-hander version of JM Barrie’s classic play Peter Pan.

New kids on the block, Slapstick Picnic comes to you from the mad minds that created the award winning touring company, the HandleBards. Set in the beautiful grounds of Warninglid Grange on Sunday 16 July 2023, this family friendly event encourages guests to bring picnic blanket and get up, close and personal with all the fun and games. Not just for kids, their brilliant buffoonery will have picnickers of all ages cackling into their coleslaw!

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A spectacular 400-seat amphitheatre nestled in Dyke Road Park, Brighton, BOAT provides the people of Sussex with outstanding entertainment and a platform for artists from all backgrounds to express themselves.

From a riotous, regency rom-com production of Jane Austin’s, Emma, to a splendid showcase of upcoming performers in BOAT’s Sublime fun and experimental theatre; their summer line-up is packed full of exciting performances to be enjoyed under the stars. With an on-site bar selling drinks and snacks, plus luxury canapé kits from Sussex Gourmand available to pre-order for during the show, find their full programme of events and book tickets on their website.

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Set against the backdrop of their beautiful open-air site, guests can maximise their summer evenings at one (or ten) of their outdoor theatre shows. Running between 19 July - 30 August, performances include Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’, David Walliams’ ‘Bad Dad!’ And the ultimate childhood classic, Kenneth Grahams’ ‘Wind in the Willows.’

Guests are advised to come dressed for the occasion and to bring a rug or camping chair to watch the performance from. There will be refreshments available to purchase, however homemade picnics can also be enjoyed as you watch the play unfold. Theatre tickets must be booked in advance; however, we advise making a day of it by visiting the museum first. With a whole variety of hands-on activities in the medieval houses, as well as a woodland playground and over 40 acres of dog-friendly walks to explore, it offers a fantastic range of family friendly activities to excite every generation.

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The Petworth Summer Festival is a wonderful celebration of live performance set in the very heart of the South Downs. Taking place across twelve venues throughout June and July, the Coultershaw Heritage Site is once again opening its doors to welcome the highly anticipated return of Wild Immersive Theatre.

Their latest production of Alice in Wonderland promises a theatre experience like no other, as audiences join this hugely engaging cast as they bring Lewis Carroll’s classic tale to life around the atmospheric mill pond. An engaging performance that the children will treasure for years to come as they are invited to literally step inside the storyline as it unfolds around them. 

With each performance lasting approximately 1 hour, and with 8 shows a day across both Saturday 22 July and Sunday 23 July 2023, this flexible option makes it suitable for young families who are looking for a summertime activity that is both magical and manageable.

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This most enchanting story loved by children and adults alike, the Chapterhouse Theatre Company is bringing a spellbinding performance of The Secret Garden to Nymans Gardens in Sussex. Set against the backdrop of its iconic ruins, this National Trust property boasts an extensive, yet intimate garden set around the romantic manor house.

Alive with music and song, this spectacular production features an array of especially designed puppet creatures to bring the story to life. An child-friendly open-air production that promises to capture the very spirit of summer, we recommend booking in advance as its set to be one of the highlights of Nymans theatre season.

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Watching one of Shakespeare’s most thrilling plays, set against the dramatic backdrop of a medieval castle, is an outdoor theatre experience that will be hard to beat! For one night only, audience members will be invited into the Gun Garden at Lewes Castle for a riveting performance of Macbeth.

Always accessible, always fun and always memorable, Drama Impact will be resurrecting Shakespeare’s most iconic couple to discover just how far they’ll go in the pursuit of power and legacy. A magnificent setting to rejoice in a beautiful summers evening, pre-book your tickets for Sunday 16 July 2023 to witness the magic.

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Image credits to the individual theatre groups and featured venues