Outdoor theatre, puppet show and screenings of The Rocky Horror Show and Dirty Dancing at Derbyshire park in summer 2026
Shakespeare plays, a fairytale-inspired puppet performance and two classic films will be rolled out at a Derbyshire park in the summer of 2026.
The popular Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season will return to Markeaton Park in Derby in the warmest months of the year. It will bring a fantastic selection of al fresco entertainment for all ages to enjoy, amid the beautiful surroundings of the park.
Held in Markeaton Park Craft Village, the season will start on July 4 and 5 with AVP Theatre and their cast of puppets returning with tales from under the sea, perfect for all the family. Pop Up Theatre – Under the Sea Stories will bring lots of interaction, laughs, and a few surprises along the way. At the end of the show, step forward to meet the cast themselves, as the puppets hold their own meet and greet. Shows are at 11:30am and 1pm. Tickets are £5. Children under 12 months old do not need a ticket.
Next up will be Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company, with their retelling of the Bard’s timeless historical tragedy Julius Caesar. Detailing the shocking assassination of the powerful dictator, the play raises profound questions about political idealism, betrayal, and the cost of liberty. Julius Caesar runs from Wednesday, July 15 to Saturday, July 18 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15.
Julius Caesar will be followed by Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy of all, Romeo and Juliet. Oddsocks Productions bring their new take on this well-loved classic, finding laughs and pathos in the dramatic tale of two star-crossed lovers. Romeo and Juliet runs from Wednesday, July 22 to Friday, July 24 at 7pm. Tickets are £18 or £16 for concessions.
The theatre shows will be followed a weekend of classic films. Cult film The Rocky Horror Show (12A) is the story of a newly engaged couple who find themselves in a creepy castle when their car breaks down and will be shown at Markeaton Park on Friday, July 31.
Oscar-winning coming-of-age tale Dirty Dancing (12) is about a teenager who learns how to dance and – more importantly how to love –and will be screened on August 1.
Both films start at 9pm and tickets are £16.
Tickets for the Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season are now available from the Sales and Information Centre at 19 Chapel St, Derby, DE1 3GU, by phone on 01332 255800 or online at www.derbylive.co.uk