Art and Culture

The theatre calendar embraces a range of events, from fringe theatre at the major arts festivals to open-air Shakespeare in a variety of summer venues.

Both the Globe Theatre in Southwark and the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre have circumscribed summer seasons, because performances are in the open air. You will find yourself part of a theatrical tradition that dates back to Shakespeare's day as you brave the elements. Balmy summer evenings can provide a magical theatrical experience, but be warned; the show must go on, despite the vagaries of the weather. As a groundling at Shakespeare's Globe, for example, you may have to suffer the worst the weather can throw at you - many would argue that extreme weather actually adds to theatrical buzz.

If you prefer the comfort of a well-appointed theatre, you will be attracted by the festival circuit, be it a dedicated theatre festival (such as Chichester), or the theatrical element at other major arts festivals (Brighton, Galway, Edinburgh). These are events that take theatre away from the limited context of London's West End. They enable audiences to see world-class theatre in a variety of settings, from major cities to The Orkneys.