There has been considerable excitement at Markeaton Park Craft Village this summer, as the Outdoor Theater and Cinema Season made a prosperous return, attracting over 1,200 attendees.
Kicking off the season was AVP Theatre and their puppet troupe, who revisited the venue to present beloved fairytales in their Pop-up Theatre on June 21 and 22. The performances featured ample audience interaction, laughter, and unexpected moments. Following each show, audience members had the opportunity to meet the cast during a special meet-and-greet with the puppets.
Then came a vibrant adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, brought to Markeaton Park by Oddsocks Productions from July 23 to 25, showcasing their signature playful and energetic style. Audiences enjoyed live music, comedy, and dynamic performances, creating a magical and humorous evening beneath the stars. All three showings of A Midsummer Night’s Dream were nearly sold out, with the Friday performance attracting the largest crowd.
Elli Mackenzie,creative Producer from Oddsocks Productions,stated:
“At a time when budgets are tight and cultural activities are reduced,it is vital that we,as a society,embrace every opportunity to experiance live theatre,visual art,and live music.”
“each year, we are delighted by the increasing number of audience members, with this summer marking a record year for us. As a performer, the venue is a joy – it’s easy on the voice and offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Thanks to Derby LIVE and their vision, along with our derby audiences and supporters, we eagerly anticipate returning annually.”
The charming Markeaton Park Craft Village stage was then transformed into an outdoor cinema,where audiences enthusiastically sang along to the popular film Mamma Mia! on August 1. The subsequent evening, the blockbuster Wicked captivated viewers with the untold story of the Witches of Oz, featuring Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning Cynthia Erivo and global icon Ariana Grande.
The outdoor cinema experience was enhanced by popcorn, pizza, and beverages from The Orangery at Markeaton Park, where guests enjoyed themed cocktails, cold drinks, and tasty snacks under the summer sky.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Cabinet Member for city Center, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, commented:
“This year’s outdoor Theatre and Cinema Season has been a fantastic celebration of arts and culture in one of Derby’s most lovely parks. It’s been fantastic to see families, friends, and theatre enthusiasts of all ages coming together to enjoy live performances and films in the open air. Markeaton Park remains a beloved destination, and events like these make it even more special during the summer months.”
Did you enjoy this article? Share it with your friends, leave a comment below, or subscribe to World-Today-News.com for more local event coverage!
