Park’s outdoor entertainment season to return this summer

Derby LIVE has announced the return of its popular outdoor theatre and cinema season at Markeaton Park.

In partnership with Derby Parks, it 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 its cast of puppets returning to bring some well-known fairytales to life in its Pop-up Theatre: Red Fairy Storybook.

The family-friendly show retells some famous fairy and folktales, including Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and the Gingerbread Man.

Next up will be outdoor theatre favourites, Derby-based Oddsocks, with their touring adaptation of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The Bard’s 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.

The show runs from Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 July.

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.

Then take a trip to Oz with one of the biggest movies of 2025.

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars the Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning Cynthia Erivo and global superstar Ariana Grande.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Derby City Council’s 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 line-up.

“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 http://www.derbylive.co.uk .