By Harry Mottram: One of Axbridge Community Theatre’s very first productions was staged outdoors at Cross where the traffic from the A38, geese and cows and barking dogs – let alone people talking loudly meant we had to shout our lines just to hear each other in Romans, Rioters and Rotters. It was a test of our vocal chords if nothing else. (The main photo is of ACT at the aforementioned production in Cross.)
I’ve watched many a play outdoors in the summer and there is something special – something magical. The fading light, the picnics, the midges and the cast working much harder than they might in a theatre due to the conditions. The sound deadening ground – usually grass – the privations of back stage – a tent – and the background noise of planes, trains and automobiles. And there is the weather. A production in Badgworth of As You Like It was staged in a downpour – but the cast kept going even though they were soaked and most of the audience had fled.
This summer there are a number of shows locally – and if you go prepared – they are very enjoyable evenings since they are at a fraction of the usual price and just as good as anything in a theatre. Take your own food a drink, a fold up chair or blanket – a coat for when the chilly evening turns arctic – and a torch to find your way out at the end.
Saturday 20th June, 2026, Westbury Sub-Mendip. The Handlebards present Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It at the Richard Glanvile Playing Fields from 5.30pm. The Handlebards cycle from venue to venue all summer. Very funny and full of energy. See https://www.handlebards.com/
Thursday 25th June, 2026, The Pickwick Papers, at Badgworth School Room Garden – the village hall – at 7pm. A short drive or cycle ride from Axbridge. Take your own booze and food – the village hall has toilets. Charles Dickens’ story of a group of gentlemen who set out on an ill fated but comic adventure. You may have seen David Lean’s film. Sam Weller is one of the notorious characters. See https://www.rainorshine.co.uk/
Wednesday 1st July, 2026, Blagdon. The Handlebards present Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth at the Yeo Valley Organic Gardens at 7pm. The Handlebards cycle from venue to venue all summer. Very funny and full of energy. See https://www.handlebards.com/
Thursday 16 July. Compton House, Axbridge: Outdoor theatre, 7.30pm. Taunton Thespians on Tour: “Twelfth Night” at Compton House Hotel, Axbridge. Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.com/tauntonthespians
The National Trust list more outdoor theatre in Somerset at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/outdoor-entertainment?type=event
In Wells at the Bishops Palace there are several productions. See https://bishopspalace.org.uk/outdoor-theatre-wells/
In Bath there are several shows outside this summer. See https://www.visitbath.co.uk/blog/read/2026/05/outdoor-theatre-in-and-near-bath-this-summer-b127
In Bristol there are more shows see https://visitbristol.co.uk/blog/post/outdoor-theatre-in-bristol/
Axbridge Diary of Events
Some Axbridge dates coming up. Send Axbridge events to me and I’ll try to keep the list updated. Email: harryfmottram@gmail.com I’ll also post on my website at https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/diary/
Coming up is a Fun Day in the Square and lots of events at the Axe Vale Arts centre – check them out as for a small town Axbridge punches above its weight.
Harry Mottram
Note: I get asked this frequently so just to repeat I write up these stories from time to time out of personal interest – all the information is in the public domain – I put it together, so it makes sense to me. I am not paid – my main job is covering Bath for Bath Voice News and ICSM of Bridgwater which is about business insolvencies. I have lived in Old Church Road for over 25 years and am married to Linda – our four children went to the local state schools. I’ve always taken an interest in local affairs having worked as a journalist in Somerset for many years. More at at www.harrymottram.co.uk and social media on X as @harrythe spiv, Facebook, Blue Sky, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads and God knows where else!
You must be logged in to post a comment.