So, you want to catch some theatre this summer but you don’t like the idea of being indoors? No problem at all. There are plenty of opportunities to get out there and watch some outdoor theatre. Don’t go rushing out quite yet. Here are some pointers that might help to make your experience a little better.
- How ‘Bout the Weather?
The first thing people worry about when they think of outdoor theatre is bad weather. But don’t run for the umbrella just yet. Most venues will not allow umbrellas because they will obstruct view and can also pose a serious safety hazard when everybody has them out en masse. It would be best to try to weather the rain with a rain mac or simple poncho. Most companies will begin or continue their performances unless the conditions are exceptionally inclement.
- Matinee Mayhem
If you plan on attending shows in the morning or afternoon hours, then chances are you’ll have to worry much more about the sun than the rain. Sunblock is an absolute must for theatre-lovers who plan on attending daytime performances. Hats, caps, and sunglasses may also come in handy too, but remember not to wear anything that could potentially obstruct the view of those sitting behind you.
- The Cheap Seats
Many outdoor theatres may have a large grassy area for general admissions. It would be wise to contact the venue to check on their policy if you would like to bring your own lawn chairs into the general admission areas. Some venues require lawn chairs to be set in specific locations while others may not permit them at all. In any case, a simple blanket or beach towel should do just fine.
- More Words of Advice
There are just a few more pointers that can help you to enjoy the outdoor theatre experience as much as possible. Although some venues may allow you to bring your own food to performances, they greatly discourage you from eating during a performance. It would be best to arrive as early as possible so that you can make yourself comfortable and consume any food that you’ve brought with you. This one may be a no brainer, but most venues will not allow animals into performances. Even if your dog is small enough to fit inside your handbag, it would probably be best to leave the pup at home. One last thing you should consider bringing with you to an outdoor performance in a can of bug spray. The pests can be especially annoying on warm, summer nights.
- Great Venues
So, now you’re ready to get out there but you don’t quite know where to go? Well, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Open-Air Theatre at Regents Park are two of the most popular outdoor theatres in London. The Scoop Theatre on South Bank is another favourite location to view outdoor theatre in London. Finally, The Minack Theatre, far from London near Lands End, offers a spectacular setting to watch outdoor performances.
- Popular Companies
Another way to find great outdoor theatre is to watch specific companies. Two popular English companies that perform outdoors are the Oxford Shakespeare Company and Creation Theatre Company, and their venues can include spectacular sites like Oxford Castle, Hampton Court Palace, and Kensington Palace Gardens. If you’re especially interested in outdoor theatre, then you can find many companies similar to Oxford Shakespeare and Creation.
- Outside the UK
Outdoor theatre is not merely a British phenomenon. France is home to Festival d’Avignon and Festival d’Anjou, both popular events offering plenty of opportunities to catch some theatre in the outdoors. Elsinore Castle in Denmark, the setting of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” also hosts an annual Shakespeare festival. Many similar festivals exist throughout Europe; from Norway to Poland to Greece, there are plenty of outdoor shows. Across the Atlantic, there are many outdoor theatres and companies as well. The Delacorte Theatre in New York’s Central Park and Boston’s Publick Theatre are two famous venues on the east coast that show outdoor performances, but similar theatres and companies exist in the Midwest, Southwest, on the West Coast, and even in the foothills of the scenic Rocky Mountains.
John Joseph Scarpa
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