Theatre in the Parks 2026

Theatre in the Parks in Bury St Edmunds offers visitors a unique way to experience live performance in a relaxed, open-air setting. Instead of a traditional indoor theatre, productions are staged in beautiful green spaces such as Abbey Gardens, Nowton Park, West Stow Country Park and Brandon Country Park, allowing you to enjoy entertainment surrounded by historic ruins, trees, and landscaped gardens. It’s an ideal activity if you’re looking to combine culture with the outdoors during your visit.

The atmosphere is informal and welcoming, making it easy for visitors of all ages to take part. You can bring a picnic, sit on the grass or a fold-out chair, and enjoy a performance under the sky—often in the early evening when the setting adds to the experience. Shows are typically lively adaptations of well-known stories, making them accessible even if you’re just looking for a fun, easy-to-follow event while exploring the town.

This year's line-up offers families a chance to explore the outdoors and the arts with classics such as romeo and Juliets and Peter Rabbit and newer plays such as Big Bad Wolf and The Cursed Ring.

Sunday 2 August - Tuesday 11 August, 2026

This popular outdoor theatre seasons returns for 2026 with a new programme of performances in three beautiful West Suffolk Parks - Brandon Country Park, Nowton Park and West Stow Country Park.

Big Bad Wolf

Brandon Country Park - Sunday 2 August, 1pm and 4pm

Come on a musical journey of plotting and scheming with folklore's most notorious villain - the Big Bad Wolf.

For more information or to book, go to Theatre in the parks - Big Bad Wolf

Peter Rabbit

Nowton Park - Tuesday 4 August, 1pm and 4.30pm

Join Peter and Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures in this enchanting adaptation of the much loved Beatrix Potter classic.

For more information or to book, go to Theatre in the parks - Peter Rabbit

Romeo and Juliet

Nowton Park - Wednesday 5 August, 2.30pm and 6.30pm

This powerful story of forbidden love and bitter rivalry is brought to life in a visual spectacle infused with comedy, heartbreak and danger.

For more information or to book, go to Theatre in the parks - Romeo and Juliet

The Ghost of Achilles

West Stow Country Park - Friday 7 August, 2pm and 6.30pm

Journeying to his father's house, Odysseus sheds his disguises and stands as a son, not a hero. Yet the ghost of Achilles lingers, whispering of pride, rage and glory.

For more information or to book, go to Theatre in the parks - The Ghost of Achilles

The Cursed Ring

West Stow Country Park - Monday 10 August, 2pm and 6.30pm

From the Rhinegold it was made. Beautiful and powerful it was, until it fell into the hands of men, lust for power and riches proved to be their undoing.

For more information or to book, go to Theatre in the parks - The Cursed Ring

The Jungle Book

West Stow Country Park - Tuesday 11 August, 12.30pm and 3.30pm

Filled with original music and audience interaction, join Mowgli and his friends, Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther on a madcap jungle adventure!

For more information or to book, go to Theatre in the parks - The Jungle Book