Open-air theatre is a great experience. There are several companies that do it, but the ones we recommend are Heartbreak Productions and the Rain or Shine Theatre Company.
They perform their plays in some of the most beautiful gardens in the country, and it is remarkable to see how they can bring the stories to life without the elaborate set changes that indoor theatre so often relies on. The cast is quite small, with each person taking on several roles. It is amazing how they not only manage to remember the lines for several parts, but also switch between the characters seemingly effortlessly.
Since there is no auditorium, you have to take your own chairs or blankets to sit on. Then you choose your spot, unpack your picnic, relax and enjoy the show. Some of the venues we’ve enjoyed in the Midlands are Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Shugborough Hall, Wightwick Manor (in photo above) and Charlecote Park.