Open-Air Theatre at Nottingham Castle

Open-Air Theatre
Friday 12 June – Wednesday 26 August 2026
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

Friday 12 June | Gates 6pm, show 7pm
Oddsocks Productions: Romeo & Juliet

A family feud divides the community and violence stalks the streets. Who can see beyond the hate and dare to follow their heart? A pair of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet!

Oddsocks return with their new take on this well-loved classic, finding laughs and pathos in the most dramatic of tragedies. Will Romeo pull himself together to escape with Juliet? Will the Nurse think of a better plan than the Friar? Will the audience help the lovers elope? All will be revealed as Oddsocks create uplifting comedy from the depths of despair in a show that’s the perfect antidote to prejudice.

Thursday 30 July | Gates 5pm, show 6pm
Cambridge Touring Theatre Company: The Sword in the Stone

Young Wart dreams of becoming a squire, while his childhood friend Morgan sets her sights on fame and fortune. Along the way, they meet a host of colourful characters who guide them through adventures and teach them lasting lessons about friendship, courage, and finding their way in the world.

Tuesday 4 August | Gates 5pm, show 6pm
Quantum Theatre: The Tale of Peter Rabbit & Benjamin Bunny

Peter Rabbit and his naughty cousin Benjamin know very well that they are not to go into Mr McGregor’s garden, but they cannot resist and soon they find themselves face to face Mr McGregor himself! But how will they ever escape? Join Peter and Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures in this enchanting adaptation of the much loved Beatrix Potter classic – a treat for all the family.

Wednesday 26 August | Gates 6pm, show 7pm
Pantaloons Theatre Company: The (Almost) Complete History of Britain

Mud, blood and stiff upper-lips! Join the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company on a breathless race through the centuries in this delightfully inventive show that tells the entire story of Britain in under 2 hours. Have you ever wanted to see the life of Henry VIII told as a romantic comedy or the tale of the Spanish Armada reimagined as a light operetta? Probably not. But that won’t stop The Pantaloons retelling great moments from the country’s past in a variety of surprising genres! Featuring live music, audience interaction and wild historical inaccuracy.

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