'Stunning' summer evenings planned at six National Trust beauty spots across the West Midlands

This summer, enjoy magical evenings of theatre, live music and open-air cinema at a whole host of stunning National Trust locations. Whether it’s Shakespeare as the sun sets, classic films under the stars, or musical performances, there’s something for everyone.

Discover enchanting theatre performances including literary classics from Austen and Shakespeare, and family favourites like Alice in Wonderland and The Wind in the Willows. Film fans can enjoy a big-screen experience outdoors with showings of Bridget Jones, Wicked Singalong and Moana 2.

Book tickets to a National Trust outdoor event this summer and enhance the open-air experience with a picnic or discover the range of food and drink options on offer.

Shropshire

Attingham Park

Enjoy open-air cinema at Shropshire’s Attingham Park later this summer. With family favourites, sing-alongs and musical celebrations, there’s something for everyone.

For information and how to book, visit: https://www.adventurecinema.co.uk/venues/attingham-park

Dudmaston Hall

Sit back, relax and prepare for an evening’s entertainment set against the backdrop of the summer garden. Illyria presents one of Shakespeare’s much-loved comedies, ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’. Watch two clever wives outwit Falstaff and his underhand plans. Enjoy this uproarious tale of mischief and double-dealing.

Thursday 7 August, 7pm. Adult £18, child (5-16 years) £12. Book tickets here The Merry Wives of Windsor - Outdoor Theatre | National Trust

For families, pack the picnic blanket and prepare for a ‘Wind in the Willows’ adventure with Mole, Ratty and Badger, as they prepare to help their friend Toad save Toad Hall from the mischievous weasels. Entry to Dudmaston Hall for audience members will be free from 30 minutes before the start of the play.

Sunday 17 August, 2pm. Adult £15, child £12. Book tickets here The Wind in the Willows Outdoor Theatre at Dudmaston | National Trust

Benthall Hall

Take part in a special evening at Benthall Hall to celebrate 80 years since Victory in Europe at the end of the Second World War. Dress up in clothes from the era and listen to 1940s wartime songs sung by The Ronnies on the front lawn. Look to the skies as teddy bear parachutists are launched from the heights of the Hall to a safe landing below. Indoors, join a guided tour of the Hall to find out how the house became a home for a group of evacuated schoolboys. Light refreshments will be available from the Shepherd’s Shed in the car park.

Sunday 13 July 6-8pm. Adult £15 and child £10. Book tickets here Benthall Hall Victory in Europe Celebration | National Trust

Staffordshire

Biddulph Grange Garden

As part of Biddulph Grange Garden’s ‘WordsFest’, a celebration of the spoken and written word, there will be plenty do throughout the summer evenings from outdoor theatre productions to history talks.

Join theatre company ‘A Place for Us’ for a double bill of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet. Friday 4 July, 2pm – 3.15pm and 6pm – 7.15pm. Adult ticket: £23 and Child ticket £14. Book your tickets here: A Place For Us present "Romeo and Juliet" and "Macbeth"- Outdoor Shakespeare Double Bill

On 5 July, archaeologist, lecturer and author of ‘Historic Building Mythbusting; Uncovering Folklore, History and Archaeology’ James Wright will be delving into the development of the stories and folklore behind the ancient buildings of Staffordshire. Saturday 5 July, 6-8pm, tickets cost £18. Book your tickets here: Mythbusting with James Wright

For comedy fans, Folksy Theatre will return to Biddulph Grange Garden with their production of ‘Twelfth Night’, the classic tale of mistaken identity, shenanigans and romance. Wednesday 18 July, 6:30- 8:30pm. Adult tickets: £15, Child ticket: £12. Book your tickets here: Folksy Theatre present "Twelfth Night" - Outdoor Shakespeare

Moseley Old Hall

Join Illyria Outdoor Theatre at Moseley Old Hall on Saturday 26 July, 5:30pm-9:15pm, for ‘The Wind in the Willows’. Follow Toad, Rat, Mole and Badger in this hilarious tale of friendship and adventure. A fun, family-friendly evening of adventure and laughter Bring a picnic and enjoy this riverside classic beneath the summer sky. Book your tickets here: The Wind in the Willows - Illyria Outdoor Theatre | National Trust

Experience Austen under the stars for her 250th birthday at Moseley Old Hall! On Friday 29 August, 6:30pm-9pm, Illyria presents ‘Pride and Prejudice’. Elizabeth Bennet navigates love, class and wit in this sparkling adaptation. Pack a picnic, bring a rug and enjoy timeless romance outdoors. Book your tickets here: Pride and Prejudice - Illyria Outdoor Theatre | National Trust

West Midlands

Wightwick Manor and Gardens

Folksy Theatre invites you to experience a brand-new musical adaptation of the classic tale Robin Hood. Set against the enchanting backdrop of the eerie Sherwood Forest, this whimsical production sees King John and the Sheriff of Nottingham trying to thwart the legendary outlaw, Robin Hood and his band of merry men as they steal from the rich to give to the poor. The performance take place on Saturday 19 July. Book tickets here: Open-air Theatre - Folksy Theatre presents 'Robin Hood' | National Trust

On Thursday 24 and Friday 25 July, 7pm-9:30pm, Folksy Theatre returns to Wightwick Manor with Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’. Filled with Folksy's wonderful live music, audience interaction and downright silliness! Bring along your friends and family to watch this wonderful outdoor production. Book your tickets here: Open-air Theatre - Folksy Theatre presents Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' | National Trust

Step into the scandalous world of the Pre-Raphaelites at Wightwick Manor on Friday 15 August, 7pm–9pm, with our after-hours walking tour of the Manor ‘The Pre-Raphaelites: Sex, Drugs and Poetry’. This adults-only evening tour, led by our expert curator, uncovers the sex, secrets and wild lives of these iconic artists and muses. Enjoy a glass of wine on arrival and prepare for a witty, revealing, and unforgettable summer evening. £25 per person, booking essential, here: Specialist Evening Curator Tour - The Pre-Raphaelites - Sex, Drugs and Poetry | National Trust

For further information visit the property websites: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/shropshire-staffordshire