The best places to see open-air theatre this summer
There's nothing quite like watching a show under the stars or in the shadow of a great tree. Experience top-quality London theatre al fresco at these unique open-air theatre venues and innovative events. National Theatre River Stages The National Theatre has a world-class programme of theatre that wows the critics all year round. But it's fair to say that it lets its hair down a little in the summer months. Its River Stages programme offers a series of free weekender events that bring the festival spirit to the Southbank. There are highlights from Suffolk's Latitude Festival (5-7 Aug); a spectacular programme from acclaimed contemporary dance company Rambert (12-21 Aug); not to mention The Glory's weekend of drag, DJs and cabaret (29-31 July), which will kick off River Stages with a sizzle. Regent's Park Open Air Theatre A traditional theatre space that's missing nothing but a roof, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre has the added bonus of being surrounded by the beautiful greenery of Regent's Park itself. As well as offering a high quality programme, the theatre has formidable pedigree. It was one of only two theatres that stayed open throughout World War Two (the other was the Windmill Theatre). Visit this summer to see shows like Richard III and Jesus Christ Superstar, performed to the sound of the wind in the trees. The Globe The Globe is a wonderfully accurate recreation of its namesake theatre in Shakespeare's time, when outdoor theatre was, of course, the norm. Then, as now, the roof was open to the elements and the centre of the theatre was reserved for a surging crowd of groundlings, who watched plays standing up or leaning on the front of the stage. This year, The Globe presents a season of comedies that are perfect for a summer's afternoon: A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Taming of the Shrew, which will mark new artistic director Emma Rice's Globe debut in witty style. Immersive performances Away from London's established theatres, there's a growing trend towards promenade performances, where the audience are free to walk around and immerse themselves in the world of the play. Shakespeare's As You Like It, for example, is being performed in the landscaped surrounds of Windsor's Savill Garden – a natural setting that's especially appropriate for a play set in the Forest of Arden. London Wonderground Okay, it's not technically outdoors. But this theatrical extravaganza from the Southbank Centre only pitches up once a year, in a kitsch, brightly-coloured wonderland of fairground fun. At the heart of the action you'll find London Wonderground's stripy 1920s Paradiso Speigeltent. Its plush, mirrored interior hosts a hectic programme of circus, cabaret and burlesque – and also offers shelter from any unexpected summer showers.