Whilst ‘Freedom Day’ may have been cancelled for a few weeks, we’re still excited for a summer of fun, making up for plenty of lost time. Now, after a couple of months of Bottomless Brunches and dinners out, our priorities now turn to instead feeding our minds with some culture.
Fortunately, there’s plenty to satiate our needs, so from must-see West End musicals to outdoor theatres with incredible views, here’s just a few of the best Summer 2021 shows and concerts worth visiting this year – and plenty of them are already open.
Summer 2021 Shows and Concerts
CAMBRIDGE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
Celebrating 34 years of all things Shakespeare, why not watch a reenactment of some of the Bard’s most famous plays, upon the picturesque backdrop of Cambridge University? Attracting upwards of 25,000 visitors (before Covid), this six week festival (12th July-28th August) is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in all things Shakespearean. Dressing up is encouraged, and you should expect to hear traditional Elizabethan music. With tickets at just £20, this is well worth a visit.
SIX THE MUSICAL
The historic theme continues, however this time it’s in London’s very own West End theatre. Since premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe festival in 2017, Six the musical has since been adopted in both London, and even Broadway. Retelling the story of Henry VIII’s six wives – but from their perspective, this lively, fun musical is set to modern day pop and R&B. It’s an evening of fun that will have you tempted to rebook from the moment you leave the doors of the Lyric Theatre.
GLYNDEBOURNE FESTIVAL
For high class culture alongside a relaxed atmosphere, Glyndebourne is back throughout the summer. Set in East Sussex, it’s home to world class opera with performances set in a beautifully crafted auditorium, whilst the rest of the hospital is set out in the gardens, where you can bring your own picnic (champagne, non-negotiable) or dine at one of the sites own restaurants. Dress to impress at this occasion, as the dress code is a formal one.
glyndebourne.com – 20th May-29th August
MINACK THEATRE – CORNWALL
For mouth-dropping views, make a weekend of it and take a trip to the coast of Cornwall for a spectacular experience from start to finish. Set upon Portchcurno Bay, the Minack Theatre’s auditorium was built – by hand- by a local theatre enthusiast. Open daily, you can enjoy music, comedy and plays (as well as storytelling for the kids). If you can’t quite make it all of the way to Cornwall, you can watch live streams of performances online instead.
PUB IN THE PARK
You may or may not be aware of Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park (it’s been around for a few years now), but the foodie and musical festival is back. Moving around areas of the UK over the summer, from Warwick to Chichester, Kerridge and friends host the festival at their Michelin Star restaurants, alongside live music, cookery demonstration, shopping and family-friendly activities. Expect to see Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Craig David and more.
For the full line up head to pubintheparkuk.com
REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE
Regent’s Park Theatre at dusk is a truly romantic experience – so what better play to see than Romeo and Juliet (17 June-24th July)? Be transported away from the busy, overpopulated city, and relax in style at this beautiful park. Plus, it’s all Covid safe, so a perfect option for the more nervous culture-seekers.
HAMILTON
After a hiatus (which has lasted far too in our humble opinion), Hamilton is returning to the West End on August 17th. Telling the story of America’s Founding Fathers to the tune of catchy rap, this iconic musical is well worth a trip, if not only to take in the beautiful surroundings of its home, the Delfont Mackintosh Theatre.
hamiltonmusical.com/london/home
GROSVENOR PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE
In the North West, head to Chester (or Diva as it was known in the Roman Times). A pop-up auditorium over summer creates the ultimate landscape for a dusk and evening viewing of a play, and this summer you could be fortunate to see newly written adaptations of classics such as The Jungle Book or Pride & Prejudice. The best part? Kids go free. Plus, with Manchester and Liverpool on your doorstep, you could perhaps consider a city break and complete a mini tour of the area.
grosvenorparkopenairtheatre.co.uk
HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVAL
Taking part from the 13th-24th August, Hampton Court Palace’s festival boasts an unmissable line-up, including Bastille, Tom Jones, Nile Rodgers and more. Normally running annually (except last year, obviously), make up for lost time and indulge in a picnic – read, feast – available from Fortnum & Mason, the ultimate treat to celebrate finally being able to do things again. It may be at least £47.50 each, but it’s well worth it.
hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com/
Words: Maria Loizou
