The Australian Shakespeare Company will bring its “Theatre on Kew” outdoor programme back to Kew Gardens in summer 2026. The season features classic and new productions staged throughout July and August, marking a return of site-specific theatre to the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The Australian Shakespeare Company will revive its long-running tradition of outdoor theatre at Kew Gardens, beginning 18 July 2026. The company, with over 40 years of experience in presenting site-specific works, will offer performances across the summer period, with entry to Kew Gardens included in ticket prices.

The season opens with The Wind in the Willows, running from 18 July to 23 August. Performances are scheduled from Wednesday to Sunday at 11am, with additional afternoon shows on selected days. This production celebrates the 40th anniversary of Glenn Elston’s adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s classic story.

Also from 18 July, audiences can see Jack and the Beanstalk, a UK premiere presented as a relaxed, picnic-style outdoor production aimed at families. This show will also run until 23 August, offering a contrasting theatrical experience alongside The Wind in the Willows.

Twelfth Night will join the programme from 25 July to 30 August with evening performances. The scheduling provides a varied theatrical timetable with daytime and evening shows running simultaneously during parts of the festival.

The return of “Theatre on Kew” reaffirms the company’s commitment to bringing accessible, site-specific outdoor theatre to London audiences. This approach continues a tradition of engaging local communities through classic and family-oriented plays in iconic gardens.

The summer season’s format, blending daytime children’s shows with evening Shakespeare, reflects a growing appetite for outdoor and multi-format theatre productions in city spaces.