The Oval Bandstand & Lawns is a leading venue for theatre in Margate, presenting live performances, plays, musicals and family shows in an open-air setting by the sea. While best known for outdoor theatre, our programme forms part of Margate’s wider live performance and cultural scene, welcoming both residents and visitors throughout the summer season. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting Margate for a show, this page highlights upcoming outdoor theatre performances, theatre experiences and cultural events at The Oval.
Why see theatre in Margate at The Oval Bandstand & Lawns?
Seeing theatre in Margate at The Oval Bandstand & Lawns is about more than watching a show, it’s about the setting, the atmosphere and the shared experience. Set on the clifftops overlooking the sea in Cliftonville, the theatre-in-the-round layout brings audiences close to the action, creating an intimate and immersive live performance experience. The programme features professional touring companies alongside community productions, offering high-quality theatre in a relaxed, open-air environment. With step-free access, accessible toilets, and a fully licensed bar serving drinks throughout the evening, The Oval is a welcoming and inclusive place to enjoy live theatre by the sea.
Looking for more events not just theatre click here for our What’s on
Live Theatre and Performances in Margate
Professor Slug’s House of Bugs (family show summer)
Jun 27 from 2pm to 3pm BST
Overview
Theatre comes alive you can help Professor Slug solve buggy problems with puppets, songs and slime! An interactive, silly bug adventure for ages 3+.
Professor Slug is an eccentric expert on invertebrates who helps bugs out with their buggy problems and you can too!
Get as strong as an ant! Teach a bee how to buzz! And help a dung beetle make a pooey perfume for its big date…
The House of Bugs is fully booked with all sorts of bugs seeking help from Professor Slug and his fellow bug experts (that’s you, the audience!) But can all these buggy problems be solved before the Queen Bee arrives, or will a swarm of honey-hungry wasps wreak havoc?
This interactive show is packed full of colourful puppets, catchy songs, and educational info about the wonderful world of bugs.
“Silly and little bit raucous, this was a total crowd pleaser” ★★★★ Children’s Theatre Reviews
Puppets are designed by Georgia Hill (CBeebies)
Partnered with charity Buglife and the Royal Parks Nature Roadshow.
Suitable for ages 3+
BOOK NOW CLICK HERE
Canterbury Musical Theatre Society Presents: A Summer Spectacular
Jul 4 from 6pm to 9pm BST
Part of the Cliftonville Outdoor Theatre collection
Overview
Canterbury Musical Theatre Society presents a magical evening of theatre in unique surroundings at The Oval Bandstand & Lawns.
Step into the exciting world of “A Summer Spectacular”, an special evening at The Oval Bandstand & Lawns, where Canterbury Musical Theatre Society and Friends present a show that weaves together the most beloved songs from a variety of iconic musicals.
All set against the stunning clifftops overlooking Walpole Bay in Margate, picture yourself unwinding with a refreshing cocktail or a cooling spritzer, soaking in the summer vibes as the sun sets over the horizon.
Featuring a talented cast from local groups, this production brings the magic of the theatre to life in a single, unforgettable performance.
The Great Gatsby
Aug 28 from 7pm to 8:30pm BST
Part of the Cliftonville Outdoor Theatre collection
Overview
A roaring, high-energy theatrical journey into the heart of the American Dream.
Presented by This Is My Theatre
This summer, one of the greatest stories ever written is staged in one of Margate’s most striking settings.
Set beneath open skies at The Oval Bandstand & Lawns, this electrifying adaptation of The Great Gatsby transforms the amphitheatre into a world of jazz-age glamour, ambition, and beautifully broken dreams. As the light fades and live music fills the air, audiences are drawn into Jay Gatsby’s dazzling orbit, a place where desire burns bright and illusion shimmers just out of reach.
Through the eyes of Nick Carraway, Fitzgerald’s timeless tale unfolds with pace, energy, and emotional depth. Lavish parties give way to quiet longing, secrets surface, and the promise of the American Dream begins to fracture. This is Gatsby as it was meant to be experienced: vivid, theatrical, and alive.
This Is My Theatre is celebrated for creating vibrant, accessible productions in historic and open-air venues, and this adaptation is no exception. Featuring live music arranged by Resident Composer Simon Stallard and performed throughout, the production is rich in atmosphere and designed to captivate audiences of all ages.
Critics have described the company’s work as “warm and welcoming, clever and creative” and “rich in detail and a joy to experience” praise that speaks to both theatrical quality and pure enjoyment.
Performed for only one show in this unique amphitheatre setting, The Great Gatsby at The Oval Bandstand is more than an outdoor show, it is a shared summer experience, elegant, immersive, and unforgettable.
A season of outdoor theatre-in-the-round at The Oval Bandstand
- Pre-booked ticket required for entry
- Deck chairs available for hire
- Please see each event for age suitability
- Fully catered with a licensed bar
- Fully accessible toilet facilities
- The top tier of the amphitheatre is wheelchair accessible
- Please use public transport, bicycles, or come on foot, as there is very limited local car parking and charges may apply
- No dogs (except guide dogs)
About Oval Outdoor Theatre
The Oval Bandstand is a live performance space in every sense. Its dramatic setting, and the remarkable people who form part of its history, are equally inspiring.
The Oval has a theatre-in-the-round layout and is perched on the spectacular chalk cliffs of South-East Kent. We welcome thousands of people each year to enjoy the stunning sea views and experience the magic of live performance in this vibrant open-air space.
We endeavour to stage live performances at the Oval Outdoor Theatre, including plays, musicals, opera, music and children’s events. Why not visit to experience a show at the theatre under the stars and become a part of The Oval Bandstand’s extraordinary story?
If you would like to perform at one of our outdoor theatre events please complete the enquiry form HERE.
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