Picnics, camping chairs and sun cream (or rain macs…) at the ready – there’s an excellent line-up of outdoor theatre and music to enjoy in Bath this summer.

David Walliams' Bad Dad at Bowood House & Gardens (26 July & 19 August)

Watch an adaptation of David Walliams’ much-loved children’s book Bad Dad on an outdoor stage in the idyllic Bowood House gardens. This warm-hearted tale follows the highs and lows of a father and son relationship as they navigate their way through a world of crime, car chases and convicts. 

Garden Theatre Festival (21 July – 5 August)

The Holburne Museum’s picturesque garden will be transformed into an open-air theatre for the third edition of this family-friendly theatre festival. This year, there'll be over 20 performances from nationally renowned companies, including adaptations of Doctor Dolittle, As You Like It and Robin Hood. 

Image - Garden Theatre Festival

Romeo and Juliet at The Bishop's Palace (23 July)

The Lord Chamberlain's Men invite you to join them at The Bishop's Palace this summer for the timeless and classic love story, Romeo and Juliet. They present this great play as the bard himself first saw it, in the open air, with an all male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. The magnificent grounds of The Bishop's Palace in Wells provide the picturesque backdrop. 

Sense & Sensibility at Bowood House & Gardens (5 & 25 August)

There's more open-air fun at Bowood House & Gardens in August, when Heartbreak Productions perform their take on Jane Austen's classic romantic tale. The show is suitable for ages nine and above.

Image - Bowood House

Alice in Wonderland at The Bishop's Palace (8 August)

Follow the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons down the rabbit hole for their own hilarious take on Lewis Carroll's nonsensical novel, featuring the well-loved characters of the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit and Queen of Hearts. Expect a delightfully anarchic show twith live music and audience interaction.

Garden Grooves at American Museum & Gardens (11 August)

An outdoor music event rather than a theatre show, but we couldn't resist adding it in! Soak up the views in the spectacular gardens of the American Museum while you enjoy music from Sam Crockatt Trio and American-themed food and drink. John Law Quartet will also be playing an al fresco set at Garden Grooves in September.

Image - American Museum and Gardens

Shakespeare's Twelfth Night at Bowood House & Gardens (16 August)

The Duke's Theatre Company present their new outdoor production of Twelfth Night, a romantic comedy unfolds with a madcap farce at its heart.

Robin Hood at Lacock Abbey (16 August)

Join swashbuckling Robin Hood and his misfit rebels in the atmospheric grounds of Lacock Abbey as they plot to bring down the greedy Sheriff of Nottingham and every other villain along the way. Pack a picnic and some low-backed seating for mesmerising evening of theatre.

If Opera's 2023 Season (24 - 30 August) 

If Opera's spectacular summertime performances will take place under the cover of the Saddlespan theatre at Belcombe Court, with the chance to picnic on the grounds, drink at the alfresco bar, and explore the gardens beforehand. Both opera aficionados and newcomers to the artform will want to experience this year's productions, with performances of Fedora by Umberto Giordano, Iolanta by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan.

Image - If Opera

The Importance of Being Earnest at Dyrham Park (25 August) 

Chapterhouse Theatre Company will be presenting Oscar Wilde's classic romantic comedy in the garden of Dyrham Park for one night only this August. Picnic with family and friends as you enjoy the hilarious tale of double lives and mistaken identities, presented with wit and style. 

Image: Chapterhouse Theatre Company

More ways to spend #SummerInBath:

• How to make the most of #SummerInBath
• Summer holiday events in Bath