And there’s outdoor entertainment on the way at Markeaton Park
PULL up a camping chair and get your picnic ready – tickets are now on sale for Markeaton Park’s muchloved Summer Outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season which returns in June, July and August this year.
Derby Live and Derby Parks will bring audiences thrilling shows from Oddsocks Productions, Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company and Babbling Vagabonds, as well as showings of award-winning films, all in the beautiful surroundings of Markeaton Park Craft Village.
Oddsocks Productions bring their fun, family friendly adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors to the stage in June, with the promise of slapstick, music and outrageous characters.
A servant and master in search of their long-lost twin brothers find themselves in a chain of chaotic events, running headlong into a happy ending which defies all probability. It promises to be a summer delight not to be missed. WHEN: Thursday, June 24, Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26 at 7.30pm.
TICKETS: £17, concessions available
■ The following month, amateur theatre group Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company are performing the well-loved, extremely successful and energetic comedy Bouncers from acclaimed writer John Godber.
Join Lucky Eric, Les, Ralph and Judd as they take you on a hilarious journey through a typical night out in the 90s, through the eyes of the bouncers... and the lads, lasses and characters they encounter. It will be a nostalgic look back that promises to have you laughing out loud. WHEN: Friday, July 9, Saturday, July 10, and Sunday, July 11 at 8pm. TICKETS: £13
■ Fresh from their Christmas Elf Encounter in Derby Market Place, Babbling Vagabonds are back in Markeaton Park with Here be Dragons!: A Wild Walk and outdoor theatre adventure for families.
Meet the secretive ‘Creature Carers’ and help them to conjure a story to becalm a bewildered beastie.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 21 to Sunday, July 25 at 11am and 2pm TICKETS: £9. Under 3s go free.
■ The films chosen for this year’s cinema season have a distinctly musical flavour. Bring your picnic and watch the sun go down before the films start.
Bohemian Rhapsody (12A), a footstomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury, returns by popular demand.
WHEN: Thursday, July 29. Gates open at 7pm. Film starts close to 9pm, 30 mins after sunset. TICKETS: £14
■ In A Star is Born (15), seasoned musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) meets and falls in love with struggling singer-songwriter Ally (Lady Gaga). Jack coaxes Ally to follow her dreams while he battles with alcoholism and his personal demons. This Oscar-winning film is the most recent version of the classic Hollywood tale. WHEN: Friday, July 30. Gates open 7pm. Film starts close to 9pm, 30 mins after sunset. TICKETS: £14
■ Rocketman (15) is an epic musical fantasy about the incredible story of Elton John’s breakthrough years in the 1970s.
It won a Golden Globe for Taron Egerton in his performance as Elton, and an Oscar for (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again, a new song written for the film by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
WHEN: Saturday, July 31. Gates open 7pm. Film starts close to 9pm, 30 mins after sunset. TICKETS: £14
■ For the final film of the season, enjoy some Razzle Dazzle with Chicago (12A).
Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta Jones star in the musical about murder, mayhem and celebrity. Enjoy your picnic and All That Jazz! WHEN: Sunday, August 1. Gates open 7pm. Film starts close to 9pm, 30 mins after sunset. TICKETS: £14
■ The hard-standing area of the Craft Village is the scene for Derby LIVE’s stage and screen, so people are advised to bring a low-backed chair and enjoy a summer evening in the park. People are welcome to their own alcohol, but no glass bottles or glasses. More information is available at derbylive.co.uk.
All events will be run in line with the guidelines in place for live outdoor entertainment following the Covid pandemic. Tickets for all films and theatre shows are available from derbylive.co.uk and from the sales and information centre on 01332 255800.