Outdoor theatre Manchester 2026
This summer there is loads of outdoor theatre Manchester to choose from in 2026. There are some great shows for families as well as some that are better suited to adults and teens. This post is part of a series of posts on Outdoor theatre North West.
As with any events post, I have done my best to make sure this post is up to date but events do get cancelled at the last minute so please check with the theatre company or venue. All events require pre-booking.
This post will be updated so if you know an outdoor theatre show that I need to add, please send me an email at info@northwestforkids.co.uk
The Jungle Book, Walkden Gardens, Sale – event past
When – 21st June 2026
Book here – The Jungle Book
Adults £14, Children £12
Romeo & Juliet, Walkden Gardens, Sale
When – 19th July 2026
Two hearts. One fate. A timeless love reborn.
The Duke’s Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a bold reimagining of the iconic tragedy directed by Joseph Pitcher
Book here – Romeo & Juliet – Walkden Gardens
Adults £21.68, Children £20.05
As you like it, Ordsall Hall
When – 21st July 2026
Pedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are a four-strong troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK.
Join the troupe for a fantastically funny bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’.
Book here – As you like it – Ordsall Hall
Adult £20.50, Under 21 and under £13, 12 and under £5, Under 5s free,
Wind in the Willows, Ordsall Hall
When – 26th July 2026
Mole has been stuck inside for far too long. Finally escaping their underground home they team up with good friends Ratty, Badger and the loveably roguish Toad on an adventure to blow away the winter cobwebs. Mole and the gang must go head-to-head with a motor-car, Her Majesty’s Constabulary and a legion of Weasels, Ferrets and Stoats taking up residence in Toad Hall.
Can our plucky band of heroes save the day? Find out in Paperback Theatre’s charming open-air adaptation of The Wind in the Willows.
Book here – Wind in the willows – Ordsall Hall
Adult £12, child £8
Macbeth, Ordsall Hall
When – 2nd August 2026
Forget the tears and tragedy, our Macbeth is chock full of mishaps, mayhem and mirth. We all know the story. Three Witches promise Macbeth the Scottish crown and like any normal people would, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth plot to kill the king. Things get rapidly out of hand from there as foul deeds are done, plots unravel and mysterious spirits appear… Suitable for all ages and apparitions.
The HandleBards are an intrepid three-strong troupe spending the summer touring Macbeth by electric van, bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK.
Book here – Macbeth – Ordsall Hall
Adult £20.50, Under 21 and under £13, 12 and under £5, Under 5s free,
The (almost) Complete History of Britain, Ordsall Hall
When – 13th August 2026
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.
Book here – The (almost) Complete History of Britain – Ordsall Hall
Adult £16, child £10
Midsummer Night’s Dream, Ordsall Hall
When – 26th August 2026
Love, laughter, and a little bit of lunacy — enter a world where fairies meddle, lovers quarrel, and magic runs wild! This summer, join us for a breathtaking open-air performance of William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
In the heart of an enchanted forest, four young lovers flee the constraints of society and stumble into a realm ruled by mischievous fairies, feuding royalty, and a troupe of would-be actors with more enthusiasm than talent. What follows is a wild night of mistaken identities, magical transformations, and love gone deliciously wrong — enjoy Shakespeare’s dazzling verse and Folksy’s twist of live music, audience interaction and frantic multi-rolling!
Book here – Midsummer Night’s Dream – Ordsall Hall
Adult £20, child (3-16 years) £13
WoodGruff and The Free Spirits, Haigh Woodland Park
When – 22nd July – 2nd August 2026.
The powerful Sershal is destroying our connection with the natural world and something must be done! Guided by WoodGruff and his woodland companions, audiences will journey through the forest in search of mysterious artefacts to try to put things back in their natural order.
Filled with fantastical sprites, original songs and music, laughter, storytelling and discovery, this magical adventure invites families to become part of the tale.
Blending live theatre, music, playing in the woods and interactive storytelling, WoodGruff & The Free Spirits is a truly immersive experience that celebrates imagination and nature.
For those who would prefer not to venture into the woodland trails, the adventure doesn’t stop at the stage. A specially created woodland gathering will continue nearby, where audiences can enjoy songs, stories and magical encounters with Woodgruff’s friends, ensuring everyone can take part in the fun and remain at the heart of the experience.
Book here – WoodGruff and The Free Spirits
More ideas for things to do this summer
As well as outdoor theatre, you can watch your favourite films outdoors this summer. Find out where here – Outdoor cinema North West
Fancy cooling down in a paddling pool or splash park? Find the locations across our region here – Outdoor paddling pools and splash parks in the North West
Fruit picking is another great summer activity. Find all the Pick your own farms in North West England here.
Why not get lost in a maze this summer? Find all the ones across our region here – Maize maze North West.
