Watch Shakespeare Shows In Some Of London's Prettiest Garden Squares

By Will Noble

Last Updated 16 April 2026

Will Noble Watch Shakespeare Shows In Some Of London's Prettiest Garden Squares

A professor with a guitar smashed over his head — Shakespeare summers aren't all about the Globe Theatre. Image: Steve Gregson

Groundling tickets at the Globe aren't the only way to catch a Shakespeare production en plein air in London this summer.

Shakespeare in the Squares is back for its 10th edition — with a troupe of Shakespearian actors performing amidst "the fairest flowers o th' season"* in a number of the city's picturesque garden squares and parks.

2026's play is Love’s Labour's Lost — a sparkling comedy of flirtation, foolishness and the irresistible lure of love — with a few toe-tapping 1960s/70s rock and pop classics thrown in for good measure.

Musicians playing in a garden — Shakespeare in the Squares runs from 3 June-12 July 2026. Image: Steve Gregson

Among the bucolic London squares and green spaces participating in 2026 are Crystal Palace Park (5 June), Montagu Square in Marylebone (9 June), Kensington Gardens Square (27 June), Cleveland Square in Paddington (1 and 2 July), Camden Square (5 July) and Fortune Green in West Hampstead (12 July).

There are many more besides — check out the full list for your nearest green space.

A group of actors/musicians — Many green spaces are taking part again in 2026. Image: Steve Gregson

If this outdoor Shakespeare lark is your cup of tea/parcel-gilt goblet of wine, you can also catch an al fresco production of The Merry Wives of Windsor at Walthamstow's Greek Theatre in July.

Shakespeare in the Squares, 3 June-12 July 2026.

*A quote from The Winter's Tale, and yes, we googled 'Shakespeare garden quotes' to find this.