Kew Gardens to host summer outdoor theatre line-up

Kew Gardens, south London’s historic botanical gardens spanning 320 acres, will be hosting a line-up of summer outdoor theatre ranging from Shakespearean romances to children’s classics.

Kew Gardens will be hosting a line-up of summer outdoor theatre ranging from Shakespearean romances to children’s classics. (Image: Zac Cooke)

In collaboration with the Australian Shakespeare Company, these immersive outdoor theatre experiences are returning to the gardens for a sixth season running.

This year performances will include A Midsummer Night's Dream performed against the backdrop of the Pavilion, running from July 20 to September 1.

This year performances will include A Midsummer Night's Dream performed against the backdrop of the Pavilion. (Image: Zac Cooke)

The line-up will also feature family-friendly performances including Dream Fairies – Adventure Through Bubble Land, directed by Glenn Elston, as well as Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved childhood classic Wind in the Willows.

Dream Fairies will feature music composed by Paul Norton and is geared towards a younger audience, with a reimagined version of A Midsummer Night's Dream where the characters get lost and encounter Tinkerbell.

Dream Fairies will feature music composed by Paul Norton and is geared towards a younger audience. (Image: Zac Cooke)

For older children, Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows tells the story of a group of animal folk - Mr Toad, Mole, Ratty and Badger - on their adventures.

Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows tells the story of a group of animal folk on their adventures. (Image: Zac Cooke)

Audience members will also have a chance to get involved, as Head Chef Rabbit turns audience members into rabbits to join in with the adventures.

Head Chef Rabbit will turn audience members into rabbits to join in with the adventures. (Image: Zac Cooke)

With its opulent buildings and green scenery, Kew Gardens serves as the perfect spot to watch A Midsummer Night's Dream, with twilight performances to really immerse you into the story.

This classic Shakespeare comedy tells the story of a group of fated lovers who fall prey to an accidental fairy charm, starring London graduate Grace Holroyd as Hermia.

A Midsummer Night's Dream tells the story of a group of fated lovers who fall prey to an accidental fairy charm. (Image: Zac Cooke)

Kew’s Outdoor Theatre will take place throughout the summer, with Dream Fairies running from July 19, Wind in the Willows from July 20, and A Midsummer Nights Dream from July 20, with all shows finishing on September 1.

Tickets can be reserved online starting at £17.90 for children and £23.75 for adults, with carers admitted for free.