Open Air Theatre at Ordsall Hall

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

Book now

Open Air Theatre

Ordsall Hall, Manchester
26 July-15 August 2023

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Open Air Theatre at Ordsall Hall
Image courtesy of Ordsall Hall/ Salford Leisure.
Book now

Outdoor theatre is one of our favourite things. Joyous, thrilling and wonderfully unpredictable, open air performance is a summertime treat for people of all ages.

Working with some of the UK’s most popular touring theatre companies, Ordsall Hall will host a wonderful programme of open air theatre in the grand setting of their spectacular Grade I-listed Manor House this July and August.

The HandleBards and The Pantaloons are just two of the theatre companies set to perform in the stunning gardens of the spectacular Grade I-listed Ordsall Hall this summer.

Filled with energy, magic and charm, the HandleBards bring a glorious high-octane production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the grounds of Ordsall Hall on 26 July. Making wonderfully chaotic and environmentally sustainable shows, the travelling troupe (who celebrate their 10th anniversary this year) are an ensemble of cycling Shakespearean actors who carry all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes. Sit back in the open air and watch humans and fairies collide in this dynamic, spirited and endearing production.

In contrast, on 27 July the vibrant and anarchic Pantaloons Theatre Company present a hilarious, yet faithful, new adaptation of Jane Austin’s Emma. Fast-paced, witty and physical, this new version of the satirical story is packed with romance, music and the Pantaloons’ interactive performance style.

Further highlights of family-friendly open air theatre at Ordsall Hall this summer include IKP Theatre’s “delightfully daft” production of Hercules and Folksy Theatre’s wonderful musical production of The Ugly Duckling.

Ordsall Hall is a magical setting to experience some of the best outdoor theatre and performance happening this summer. Bring your own chair or blanket, pack a picnic and soak up the atmosphere.

Where to go near Open Air Theatre at Ordsall Hall

Salford
Gallery
Brink Studio Limited

Home to the art of Rob Lenihan. His urban, multidisciplinary art is influenced by many genres and displayed for sale.

Manchester
Stadium
Emirates Old Trafford.

Emirates Old Trafford is an award-winning, sustainable and multi-purpose venue with a reputation for delivering inspirational conferences, meetings and much more.

Manchester
Restaurant
11 Central

11 Central is a new bar and microbrewery launched by local brewing legends SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO at the Central Bay site in Salford.

Manchester
Hotel
Hotel Football

Hotel Football sits opposite Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium. Owned by the Class of 92 Group of former United players. It’s the first of many developments the group have planned…

MediaCityUK
Café or Coffee Shop
Blanconero

High-level Italian food in Salford Quays, with no less than seven different lasagnas to choose from.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Central Bay

Central Bay is a new waterfront dining and drinking destination at Quayside MediaCity, opening summer 2023.

Manchester
Gallery
Irwell Sculpture Trail

The 33-mile trail, which follows the River Irwell from Salford Quays all the way to Bacup in Pennine Lancashire, has been around for over a decade, but it’s recently been restored and expanded.

What's on: Families

Haphazard 2025 at Z-arts
FamiliesManchester
Haphazard 2025 at Z-arts

A free day of bizarre behaviour and exciting live performance at Z-arts. Expect the unexpected. Playful, unpredictable, and not easily forgotten.

Free entry

Culture Guides

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

European Poetry Festival European Camarade
Literature Events in the North

From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Helena Hauff
Music in the North

Shape-shifting bands, scorched-earth techno, and off-grid festivals. Our latest music picks catch the live scene at its most urgent, inventive and alive.