Let’s be honest: Londoners endure months of grey skies, cramped commutes and pricey pints for one main payoff—summer. And nowhere is that payoff sweeter than when the city transforms into one giant alfresco stage. Outdoor theatre and cinema aren’t just seasonal novelties; they’re the ultimate way to see London differently.
Swap velvet seats for picnic rugs, hearing Shakespeare against rustling leaves instead of hushed curtains, and watching cult films as the city skyline glows around you. This summer’s lineup is full of clever twists: Wild West duels in Romeo and Juliet, musicals in leafy parks, and Roald Dahl creatures lurking under twilight trees.
Here’s where to grab a ticket—or just show up—and catch the best shows under the sky this summer.
London’s best open-air theatres for summer 2025
1. Shakespeare’s Globe
Where: South Bank, SE1
Running: Now through October 2025
Visit Shakespeare’s Globe →
London’s most famous open-air theatre continues its summer season with several Shakespearean productions, each offering a fresh angle on the classics.
- The Crucible (Until 12 July 2025)
Ola Ince directs a strikingly traditional take on Arthur Miller’s drama, complete with period pilgrim costumes. Expect a serious atmosphere and powerful performances. - Romeo and Juliet (Until 2 August 2025)
Sean Holmes reimagines the tragedy as a Wild West tale, swapping swords for six-shooters. It’s an inventive approach that promises visual flair. - The Merry Wives of Windsor (4 July – 20 September 2025)
Directed again by Sean Holmes, this comedic romp returns following its popular 2019 outing. Expect lively humour and bold characterisation. - Twelfth Night, or What You Will (8 August – 25 October 2025)
Robin Belfield directs this vibrant take on shipwrecks and mistaken identity, offering an upbeat and flexible interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. - Troilus and Cressida (26 September – 26 October 2025)
A rare chance to see this strange and seldom-performed Trojan War drama. It’s part epic, part bitter love story — not the easiest Shakespeare play, but fascinating nonetheless.
Why go?
Shakespeare’s Globe is unique for its history and immersive, open-roofed design. Standing tickets cost as little as £5. They’re the cheapest way to see professional theatre in London, though you’ll be on your feet for up to three hours.
2. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Where: Regent’s Park, NW1
Running: Now through 20 September 2025
Visit Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre →
In leafy Regent’s Park, this iconic open-air venue stages a diverse mix of productions each summer. Highlights this season include:
- Noughts & Crosses (28 June – 26 July 2025)
A revival of Dominic Cooke’s acclaimed adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s novel about love and racial division in a dystopian Britain. Directed by Tinuke Craig. - Brigadoon (2 August – 20 September 2025)
The classic Lerner & Loewe musical about a mystical Scottish village gets a fresh script update from Scottish playwright Rona Munro in its first major UK revival since the 1980s. - The Enormous Crocodile (15 August – 7 September 2025)
A Roald Dahl adaptation for families, back for a second summer run. It’s colourful and lively, if perhaps a little light on the peril promised by the original story.
Why go?
Few places in London match Regent’s Park for atmosphere. Even in drizzle, there’s something thrilling about live theatre surrounded by trees as darkness falls.
3. Kew Gardens Outdoor Theatre
Where: Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9
Running: Mid-July to 31 August 2025
Visit Kew Gardens →
Kew Gardens becomes a picturesque outdoor stage this summer, thanks to a season by the Australian Shakespeare Company. Highlights include:
- Alice in Wonderland (19 July – 31 August 2025)
A family-friendly take on Lewis Carroll’s classic, featuring songs, dance, and interactive games. - The Dream Fairies – Adventures Through Bubble Land (18 July – 31 August 2025)
A whimsical children’s piece spun off from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, inviting kids to dress as fairies, pirates, or whatever they fancy. Performed picnic-style for ages three to eight. - Macbeth (18 July – 31 August 2025)
A darker option amidst the family fare. This production features Australian actors Hugh Sexton and Nicole Nabout and unfolds as night descends on Kew’s towering trees.
Why go?
Kew’s botanical beauty adds real magic to theatre experiences, whether it’s whimsical kids’ shows by day or Shakespearean tragedy at dusk.
4. Shakespeare in the Squares
Where: Various London squares
Running: Until 12 July 2025
Visit Shakespeare in the Squares →
This enterprising company tours productions to some of London’s most beautiful garden squares. For summer 2025, they’re staging:
- The Taming of the Shrew (until 12 July 2025)
A new production of Shakespeare’s famously thorny “battle of the sexes” comedy, performed in intimate, open-air settings across the city.
Why go?
These performances often feel like discovering theatre in a secret garden — informal, close-up, and charming.
5. Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
Where: Greenwich and Docklands
Running: 22 August – 6 September 2025
Visit GDIF →
One of London’s most ambitious free festivals, GDIF fills public spaces with theatre, circus, street arts, and large-scale spectacles.
Why go?
The festival is a highlight of London’s cultural calendar, offering bold performances entirely free of charge. It’s perfect for exploring areas like Greenwich and the Docklands in a new light.
London’s best open-air cinemas
London’s open-air film scene is thriving again this summer. Here are some reliable favourites:
Rooftop Film Club
A longstanding fixture of London’s summer calendar, Rooftop Film Club screens films atop Bussey Building in Peckham and Roof East in Stratford. The programme typically spans popular classics and contemporary hits, with deckchair seating and wireless headphones for a truly immersive experience. It’s open from May to September, and advance booking is recommended.
Canary Wharf Summer Screens
From 29 May to 27 September 2025, Canary Wharf’s Summer Screens bring live sport, free films, and even gaming competitions to Canada Square Park. Sports fans can catch everything from Wimbledon and cricket to Formula 1 and Ascot, while the Film Club screens Hollywood hits and family favourites on weekday evenings and weekends. Screenings are free to attend.
Everyman on the Canal, King’s Cross
Everyman on the Canal returns to Granary Square from 30 June to 17 August 2025, bringing over 100 free screenings to the King’s Cross waterfront. Expect blockbusters like Wicked, family hits such as Coco, and cult classics including Dirty Dancing, along with live music and Wimbledon coverage. This year’s vibrant screen design comes courtesy of artist Yinka Ilori. Seating is free and first-come, first-served.
Summer by the River at London Bridge
Running from 29 May 2025, Summer by the River transforms the Thames’ banks into a vibrant festival of music, film, sport and riverside relaxation. This year introduces the festival’s first two-storey Glasshouse Terrace, offering panoramic views, premium drinks, and screenings of events like Wimbledon, Formula 1 and Tuesday night movies.
Plan ahead: what to consider before attending
Dress for all seasons: London summers are famously indecisive. A warm day can cool fast once the sun sets. Bring an extra layer, just in case, so you’re not shivering before the second act.
Book early for popular spots: Places like Rooftop Film Club can sell out fast, especially for cult classics or Friday nights. Booking ahead guarantees you a spot—and often a better seat.
Get there early for free events: Free screenings are a gift, but they fill up quickly. If you’re heading to places like Everyman on the Canal, arrive early if you want a decent view (and to sit with your friends).
Bring something comfortable to sit on: Not all venues provide seating, especially the free ones. A picnic rug or folding chair can make a huge difference, as can a cushion for longer films. Comfort is underrated.
Plan your snacks: Some outdoor cinemas boast excellent food stalls and bars, while others allow you to bring your own picnic. It’s worth checking the venue’s policies in advance to avoid surprises at the gate.
Pack your sunscreen
If you’re attending an earlier screening or planning to arrive hours before sunset, don’t underestimate the sun’s strength. A bit of sunscreen can spare you an unplanned souvenir of a bright red nose.