As summer approaches, Daily Info has selected the must-attend open air theatre and opera in Oxford and the surrounding area.
Opera Anywhere
Celebrating their 25th Anniversary, Opera Anywhere continue their mission of bringing opera, well, anywhere, touring vibrant takes on gems, all sung in English. And they’ve got a smorgasboard of opera performing in Oxfordshire, with productions of The Pirates of Penzance (7th Jun, Witney), The Marriage of Figaro (13th Jun, Chipping Norton, 3rd Aug, Abingdon), Cosi Fan Tutte (2nd Aug, Abingdon), and The Mikado (30th Aug, Courtenay). And as part of the Sunningwell Festival they’re hosting a Quiz Night (2nd Aug) and an evening of the best of opera and musical theatre with The Magic of Opera (3rd Aug).
Oxford Shakespeare Festival
Taking place from the 23rd June to 16th August, the Oxford Shakespeare Festival has become a bit of a tradition in the summer months, with a trio of the Bard’s works being staged in the Oxford Castle amphitheatre. Now in its 15th year, the festival is embracing the funny side with three of Shakespeare’s comedies – Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Merry Wives of Windsor. You’ll get plenty of laughs, as well as a demonstration of all the talent that can be found on the Oxford theatre scene.
Illyria Theatre
Masters of their craft, there are few theatre companies that bring the kind of prowess to open air theatre that Illyria do. And three of their shows come to Oxfordshire throughout the summer months – costume drama shenanigans with Pride & Prejudice (24th Jun, Witney, 9th Aug, Banbury), Gilbert & Sullivan goodness with HMS Pinafore (26th Jul, Nuffield), and the comedic pleasures of The Wind in the Willows (5th Aug & 6th Sep, Witney). See one, see them all and revel in the fun.
Waterperry Gardens
With the gardens in full bloom, the summer months are the perfect time for theatre at Waterperry. This year you can take in The Lord Chamberlain’s Men’s latest Shakespeare, Twelfth Night (29th Jun), and Quantum Theatre’s new take on Alice Through the Looking Glass (19th Jul). Plus in August there’s the Waterperry Opera Festival, a glorious celebration of opera with this year's line-up including works from Mozart, Handel and an adaptation of Winnie the Pooh.
Moving Parts Theatre Company
Now here’s a charming prospect; a brand new adaptation of Vanity Fair, the costume drama that swirls social climbers, dandies and buffoons into a tale of greed, ambition and love. All played out in the grounds of Worcester College, this is a delightful way to cap off the end of June (it performs twice on the 29th).
The Handlebards
The Handlebards are a wonderfully unique company with a troupe of actors cycling between venues, carrying all their set, props and costumes with them, for chaotic, energetic and environmentally sustainable Shakespeare. This year they tour Much Ado About Nothing with performances in Asthall (2nd Jul) and the Earth Trust (3rd Jul).
Dorchester Amateur Dramatics Society
Performing in the beautiful Cloister Garden of Dorchester Abbey, Dorchester Amateur Dramatics Society (DADS) are staging Robin Hood and His Merry Men (10th to 12th Jul) for a laugh-filled take on a British classic. Come along with a picnic and join in the fun.
Oxford Theatre Guild
A big part of Oxford Theatre Guild's annual output is their University Parks production and this year they're taking on Twelfth Night (15th to 26th Jul), Shakespeare's comedy of love, deceit and shipwrecked twins, all soundtracked to 80s hits. The rain may rain every day in Twelfth Night but it's sure to shine on this production.
Bampton Classical Opera
Bampton Classical Opera know how to stage a riveting show and this year they're taking on Salieri's La Locandiera (18th & 19th Jul), a sharp comedy of the battle of the sexes. 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of Salieri's death and this feels like the perfect tribute for it.
Creation Theatre
Every summer, Creation Theatre return to the great outdoors to stage a dazzling production or two. And 2025 is no exception, with the company staging A Midsummer Night's Dream (16th Jul to 16th Aug), following on from last year's double of Treasure Island and As You Like It, and 2023's Much Ado About Nothing. Whatever Creation have cooked up it's sure to be a highlight of the season.
Three Inch Fools
And it wouldn't be summer in Oxfordshire if there weren't several productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream. But Three Inch Fools productions are worth seeking out, as they produce rich, punchy, focused comedies that are a delight when watched as the sun slowly sets. So if you want another A Midsummer Night's Dream (9th Aug, Wootton) then make time for these witty fools.
Folksy Theatre
Another great Shakespeare company is Folksy Theatre, whose touring quintet grapple with the Bard's comedies to hilarious effect. And this year they're going for Twelfth Night (14th Aug, Millets Farm), promising a whirlwind of laughs and mistaken identities. Also you can order pizza, which is a perfect accompaniment for feel-good Shakespeare.