The popular Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season will return to Markeaton Park from June until August. It will bring a fantastic selection of al fresco entertainment for all ages to enjoy, amid the beautiful surroundings of the park.
Derby LIVE and Derby Parks will be bringing audiences a classic Shakespeare comedy from Oddsocks Productions, a fairytale-inspired puppet performance from AVP Theatre perfect for families, and showings of two blockbuster films.
Held in Markeaton Park Craft Village, the season will start on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June with AVP Theatre and their cast of puppets returning to bring some well-known fairytales to life in their Pop-up Theatre: Red Fairy StorybookOpens in new tab. The family-friendly show retells some famous fairy and folktales including Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and the Gingerbread Man.
There’ll be lots of interaction, laughs, and a few surprises along the way. At the end of the show, step forward to meet the cast themselves, as the puppets hold their own meet and greet. Shows are at 11:30am and 1pm. Tickets are £5 or £4 for under 12s. Children under 12 months old do not need a ticket.
Next up will be outdoor theatre favourites, Derby-based Oddsocks, with their touring adaptation of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s DreamOpens in new tab. The Bard’s most magical, fast-paced and hilarious comedy will be performed in Oddsocks’ inimitable irreverent and knockabout style with live music, comedy action and even some outrageous hunting dogs!
Four lovers run off to the Athenian forest where mysterious woodland creatures play tricks on them with hilarious results and when a troupe of amateur actors decide to rehearse in a glade, the fairies intervention leads to bizarre and outrageous comedy. The show runs from Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 July at 7pm. Tickets are £18 or £16 for concessions.
The theatre shows will be followed by two blockbuster musicals. On Friday 1 August, Markeaton Park Outdoor Cinema Season brings you the classic Mamma Mia (PG)Opens in new tab.
Donna (Meryl Streep) is preparing for her daughter's wedding at her Greek island hotel, with the help of two old friends. Meanwhile Sophie, the spirited bride, secretly invites three men from her mother's past in hope of meeting her real father and having him escort her down the aisle on her big day. Bask in sunshine-soaked silliness accompanied by a belting soundtrack of classic ABBA tunes! The show starts at 9pm and tickets are £15.
Then take a trip to Oz with one of the biggest movies of 2025. Wicked (PG)Opens in new tab, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo and global superstar Ariana Grande. Follow their unlikely friendship between Elphaba (Erivo), a misunderstood outcast, and Glinda (Grande), a privileged socialite, as they navigate their destinies and ultimately become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. The show starts at 9pm and tickets are £15.
So gather your friends and family, pack up your chair and bring a picnic as you enjoy what the 2025 Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season has to offer.
Of course, the season wouldn’t be complete without the delicious offerings from The Orangery café. The Orangery will be serving speciality coffees, infusions, cakes, ice creams and refreshing cold drinks. You can also enjoy cold draught beers, cider, wines, themed cocktails, popcorn and pizza at the Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mamma Mia and Wicked showings, so go ahead and indulge yourself!
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said:
Derby's Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season is returning with a vibrant programme featuring innovative theatre and sensational films. We’re thrilled to welcome back two exceptional local theatre companies to this year’s lineup. Markeaton Park’s picturesque setting provides the perfect, scenic backdrop for these memorable evenings with friends and family.
Tickets for Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season are now available from the Sales and Information Centre at 19 Chapel St, Derby, DE1 3GU, by phone on 01332 255800 or online at derbylive.co.ukOpens in new tab.