It may not seem like it right now, but apparently Summer is upon us, and that means braving the outdoors (and possibly the wind and rain) for a few months of special outside events, from outdoor film screening to plays in parks. We round up the best of what Summer 2016 has to offer across the UK.
FILM4 Summer Screen at Somerset House (London)
Bring a big comfy pillow, grab some popcorn, and sit back and enjoy the big screen delights in the beautiful and ornate 18th Century surroundings of the central fountain court area. This popular series of outdoor film screenings has been running for a while now, and this year will take place between 4-17 August with screenings including the UK premier of Pedro Almodovar’s new offering Julieta, as well as themed double bills like RoboCop + Ex Machina.
Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre (Chester)
A relaxed and intimate theatre is in the round with the action at the centre, so all seats offer a great view, with deckchairs provided and a few seats undercover near the back for the not so brave. This year’s Summer season runs from 1 July – 21 August with Shakepeare’s As You Like It, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and a major new adaptation of the children’s classic Stig of the Dump.
Luna Cinema (UK Wide)
Billed as the UK’s number one open air cinema, Luna Cinema is actually many different venues across the UK, from Edinburgh Royal Botanical Gardens to Hasting Pier, from Sheffield Amphitheater to Cardiff Castle. The majority of the films that screen are either old favorites/cult classics or new releases, and each one is handpicked to match the surroundings, like Jaws at Brockwell Lido and The Great Gatsby at Chiswick House. With so many choices, no matter where you are, you’re bound to find something reasonably local. (We just can’t guarantee the sun!)
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre (London)
This year’s program kicked off with Henry V, directed by Donmar Warehouse Associate Director Robert Hastie, with Olivier Award-winning actress Michelle Terry in the title role. If you missed this, you still have Jesus Christ Superstar (15 July-27 August) to look forward to, and then Pride and Prejudice (2 September-17 September) featuring Felicity Montagu in the iconic role of Mrs. Bennet.
Do you have any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments section below…