Open-Air Theatre at Nottingham Castle

About

Open-Air Theatre
Thursday 3 - Wednesday 30 July 2025
Nottingham Castle

The popular Open-Air Theatre season returns to Nottingham Castle this summer with a programme of new and traditional performances.

You are invited to pack your picnics, camping chairs and blankets to enjoy theatre in the great outdoors!

What's On

Thursday 3 July | Gates 6pm, show 7pm
Three Inch Fools: A Midsummer Night's Dream

It’s Midsummer’s eve and deep in an enchanted forest, mischief is stirring. The Fairy King and Queen are feuding, four runaway lovers are tying themselves in knots, and a troupe of quite appalling actors are preparing a theatrical extravaganza destined to impress. With shapeshifting trouble-maker Puck at the helm, the course of true love never did run smooth.

Friday 25 July | Gates 5pm, show 6pm
Chapterhouse Theatre Company: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Take a trip down the rabbit hole this summer with Chapterhouse Theatre Company. When young Alice tumbles into a fantastical world of talking caterpillars, mad hatters, and evil queens with only the white rabbit to guide her, she must rely on her wits and her sense of adventure if she is to save Wonderland and return home. Filled to the brim with magic, music, and not-so-organised chaos, Chapterhouse Theatre Company’s sparkling adaptation is perfect for all the family!

Sunday 27 July | Gates 6pm, show 7pm
Chapterhouse Theatre Company: Romeo & Juliet

When two scions of warring families in Verona fall suddenly and desperately in love, their only hope is to marry in secret, but the bad blood between their houses runs deep, and the star-crossed lovers soon find themselves forced to choose between their family names or their love for one-another. The tragedy that follows is one of the world’s most enduring love stories. Join us as Chapterhouse Theatre Company brings the bard’s beloved tragedy to Nottingham Castle this summer.

Wednesday 30 July | Gates 5pm, show 6pm
Pantaloons Theatre Company: Robin Hood

Join utter legends Robin, Marian and the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest for a hilariously adventurous take on the timeless tales of everyone’s favourite archer. Pernicious Prince John and the shifty Sheriff of Nottingham have hatched a plan to put a stop to Robin Hood’s charitable crime spree once and for all. Can they outwit the outlaw? Or will Robin hit the target once again? Find out in The Pantaloons’ original take on the classic tales and characters, featuring live music and audience interaction!

Gates open one hour before the performance starts. Please bring rugs or low-back seating and wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Performances will go ahead in all but the worst weather.

Please note that general admission tickets to the castle are not required for these events – entry is included in the ticket price.

Plan your visit here: www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk/visit