Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season returns this summer
The popular Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season will return to Markeaton Park this July and August. It will bring a fantastic selection of al fresco entertainment for all ages to enjoy, amid the beautiful surroundings of the park.
Derby LIVE and Derby Parks will be bringing audiences two stirring Shakespeare plays, a fairytale-inspired puppet performance perfect for families, and showings of two classic films.
Held in Markeaton Park Craft Village, the season will start on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July with AVP Theatre and their cast of puppets returning with tales from under the sea, perfect for all the family. Pop Up Theatre – Under the Sea Stories will bring lots of interaction, laughs, and a few surprises along the way. At the end of the show, step forward to meet the cast themselves, as the puppets hold their own meet and greet. Shows are at 11:30am and 1pm. Tickets are £5. Children under 12 months old do not need a ticket.
Next up will be Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company, with their retelling of the Bard’s timeless historical tragedy Julius Caesar. Detailing the shocking assassination of the powerful dictator, the play raises profound questions about political idealism, betrayal, and the cost of liberty. Julius Caesar runs from Wednesday 15 to Saturday 18 July at 7:30pm. Tickets are £15.
Julius Caesar will be followed by Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy of all, Romeo and Juliet. Oddsocks Productions bring their new take on this well-loved classic, finding laughs and pathos in the dramatic tale of two star-crossed lovers. Oddsocks will create uplifting comedy from the depths of despair in a show that’s the perfect antidote to prejudice. Romeo and Juliet runs from Wednesday 22 to Friday 24 July at 7pm. Tickets are £18 or £16 for concessions.
The theatre shows will be followed a weekend of classic films. On Friday 31 July, Markeaton Park Outdoor Cinema Season brings you the 1975 cult favourite The Rocky Horror Picture Show (12A). Fasten your garter belt and relive the time-warping, gender bending extravaganza!
When newly-engaged couple Brad and Janet’s (Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon) car breaks down on a rainy night, they wind up in the creepy castle of Dr Frank-n-Furter (Tim Curry). There, they have an adventure that will thrill you, chill you and fulfil you!.
Then lose yourself in the Osar-winning coming-of-age tale Dirty Dancing (12) on Saturday 1 August. In the summer of 1963, teenager Baby (Jennifer Grey) goes on a family vacation to Kellerman’s holiday resort. Things are pretty tame until she meets dance teacher Johnny (Patrick Swayze) who teaches Baby how dance and – more importantly – how to love. Both films start at 9pm and tickets are £16.
So gather your friends and family, pack up your chair and bring a picnic as you enjoy what the 2026 Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season has to offer.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said:
“Derby’s favourite summer tradition is back! This year, we’re especially proud to spotlight three incredible local theatre companies, and I’m so excited to see two truly classic movies back on the big screen. Grab your friends, pack a picnic, and join us at Markeaton Park for an unforgettable night in the heart of one of the city's most beautiful landscapes.”
Tickets for Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season are now available from the Sales and Information Centre at 19 Chapel St, Derby, DE1 3GU, by phone on 01332 255800 or on the Derby LIVE website.
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