Known as the “theatre under the stars”, The Minack Theatre in
Penzance is one of the only theatres where the view is often more
dramatic than the show itself. After being forced to postpone its
entire summer season, The Minack Theatre is back with a varied
programme until November. From family-friendly shows such as Wind
in the Willows and Horrible Histories to Moira Buffini’s Loveplay,
there’s something for everybody. If you’re lucky enough to snap up
a ticket, be sure to wrap up, bring a cushion and a picnic. Can’t
make a show? The theatre is still open for tours and as well as
exhibitions.

The Bristol Old Vic is one of England’s oldest working theatres,
though thanks to a relatively recent revamp, it draws crowds with a
wonderful atrium-restaurant and bar, while still retaining so much
of its historic charm. Some of its in-house productions are
available to live-stream from home, but if you’re in the area, it’s
worth checking out its new stage-and-café area, where you can sit
back and enjoy performances from local poets, musicians and
actors.

Not too much of a schlep from Bristol is the beautiful Theatre
Royal in Bath. It has just announced The Welcome Back Season with a series of three
plays – Betrayal, Copenhagen and Oleanna – starring award-winning
actors. Grab a pre-theatre dinner at The Garrick’s Head, pre-order
your interval drinks and practice your best round of applause.

As the name suggests, this lovely theatre resides in an old barn
just a five-minute walk away from Cirencester city centre.
Throughout lockdown, it has produced a series of virtual
performances called Behind The Barn Door, which you can still catch
on its website. However, thanks to some phenomenal work by the
production team, it’s now open for live, socially distanced
performances. Grab a bit to eat at its in-house restaurant, Téatro
before settling down to watch an adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s
Private Peaceful or Marry Me a Little a stunning revue featuring
songs by Steven Sondheim.

Taking a staycation to the Peak District? Add a little
theatrical interlude to your hiking itinerary at The Crucible,
which has just announced its Together Season. The short run of live
plays – including the world premiere of Here’s What She Said to Me
and a revival of its sell-out 2019 show, Operation Crucible – runs
from 30 October to 4 December (just before Panto season kicks off).
Artistic Director, Robert Hastie, says: “We’ve called this season
Together because that’s the feeling we’ve missed most, and the
experience that theatre does best.”

If a city break is on your agenda, make it a theatre break to
Manchester. Spend the afternoon shopping in the Northern Quarter
before heading to the New Islington Metrolink Station (one stop
away from Manchester Piccadilly) – a short walk from here you’ll
find the effortlessly trendy Hope Mill Theatre. The team has just
announced they’ll be re-opening their doors with a brand new
production of Rent from 30 October and it’s tipped to be a smash
hit.

Tucked away in the countryside hamlet of Bangor in Newbury, in
west Berkshire, this converted mill has been producing high-quality
theatre since 1967 and even Covid can’t stop it reopening its
doors. It has constructed a season of one-person shows, including
Lone Flyer, a fantastic piece about Amy Johnson, the first woman to
fly solo from England to Australia. The restaurant here offers a
two-course set menu, so you can grab a bite to eat without worrying
about making it to the show before the curtain comes up.

Just half an hour’s train ride outside the big smoke lies St
Albans’ The Maltings Theatre. It has just launched an extensive
autumn season, including its sell-out summer production of Henry V
and a Spinal Tap-inspired adaption of The Merry Wives of Windsor.
If Shakespeare isn’t your jam, then there’s the 39 Steps and The
Regina Monologues, guaranteed to leave you smiling. The perfect day
trip for those who need a break from their WFH set-up.

After it’s sell-out run in Paris, this outdoor theatrical
experience is now taking to the streets and parks of London.
Immerse yourself in this beautiful story about an encounter between
two strangers. All you need is a face mask, your phone and a pair
of headphones. There are four location options – Monument, Clapham
Common, Greenwich and St Paul’s – and three different performance
times. It’s the perfect conversation starter for a socially
distanced night out with friends.

This darling of the London-fringe is back with a stunning
adaptation of The Last Five Years. Expect one piano and two
performers who tell the story of a relationship from beginning to
end. Reserve a table at its bar from Thursday to Saturday or pop
over to uber-trendy Mercato Metropolitano afterwards to discuss the
show over an Aperol.