Guide to Open-Air Theatre and Outdoor Shows in Sussex

Summer is finally here, and that means Sussex is gearing up for its annual run of outdoor theatre, plays, and open-air cinema. Whether you are looking for a relaxed evening in a deckchair or a classic play under the stars, there are plenty of options running across the region over the next few months. From Brighton's own dedicated amphitheatre to historic castle grounds and garden lawns, the 2026 season has a varied line-up of performances scheduled through to September.

At the heart of the local scene is Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT), located in Dyke Road Park (BN3 6EH). Founded in 2015 in memory of local playwright Adrian Bunting, this 400-seat, self-funded charity venue has become a staple of Brighton summers. The 2026 season is already underway and runs until 30 September 2026. Performances generally run until 22:00, except on Sundays when the venue closes at 18:00. You can bring your own picnic, or buy drinks at the on-site bar. Upcoming highlights include Jerusalem from Wednesday 17 June to Saturday 20 June 2026, the family-friendly Circus Calamitous on 27 and 28 June 2026, and Kaspar: Prince of Cats on Saturday 4 July 2026. Later in the summer, you can catch The Tale of Peter Rabbit on 15 and 16 August 2026, Pinocchio on Monday 31 August 2026, and The Pirates of Penzance on Saturday 5 September 2026.

If you are up for a touring production, The Pantaloons are bringing their comedic, family-friendly adaptation of Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles to the region. Their tour runs from 9 May to 6 August 2026, making a stop at the Cowdray Ruins in Midhurst on Wednesday 24 June 2026, before heading to Brighton Open Air Theatre on Sunday 26 July 2026. Expect plenty of physical comedy, live music, and audience interaction.

Further afield in Sussex, there are two other major outdoor venues hosting events this summer. At Arundel Castle (BN18 9AB), the theatre company Illyria will perform Shakespeare's As You Like It in the Earl's Garden on Thursday 21 August and Friday 22 August 2026 as part of the Arundel Festival of the Arts. Tickets are priced around £18.00 for children and £25.00 for adults. Meanwhile, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in Horsham (RH13 6PP) is hosting a series of summer open-air cinema screenings on their house lawn this September. The lineup features the original 1969 version of The Italian Job on Friday 11 September 2026, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again on Saturday 12 September 2026, and The Greatest Showman on Saturday 19 September 2026, with gates opening in the early evening ahead of the film starts.