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.