New Outdoor Cinema Film Series Set To Light Up Calderstones Park
From Shakespeare to ABBA, a brand new summer cinema brings iconic stories to life in Liverpool’s most scenic garden.
This summer, a brand-new open-air cinema is coming to Liverpool, promising magical movie nights beneath the stars in the leafy surrounds of Calderstones Park. Launching in July, the outdoor screen will take pride of place in the gardens of the Grade II listed Mansion House, home to national Shared Reading charity, The Reader.
Running from Wednesday 30 July to Thursday 28 August, the inaugural season features eight handpicked films – a thoughtful blend of literary adaptations, nostalgic classics, and musical crowd-pleasers. From Shakespeare to Wicked, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the glow of festoon lights and with a chilled drink in hand.
“We’ve carefully chosen some of the very best, and much-loved adaptations of literary classics told on the big screen – all best enjoyed with a freshly baked pizza, a chilled glass of fizz and someone you love,” says Jen Chapman, Associate Director of Marketing, Communications & Digital at The Reader.
🎬 Summer 2025 Open-Air Cinema Programme at Calderstones Park
📅 Wednesday 30 July, 9pm – 10 Things I Hate About You (12)
A late-90s romcom classic that reimagines The Taming of the Shrew with wit, angst and a killer paintball date.
1999 | 1hr 37min
📅 Thursday 31 July, 9pm – Shirley Valentine (15)
Willy Russell’s tale of self-discovery and sun-soaked escape still hits home with heart and humour.
1989 | 1hr 48min
📅 Thursday 7 August, 8.45pm – Little Women (U)
Greta Gerwig’s tender, artful take on Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel.
2019 | 2hr 15min
📅 Friday 8 August, 8.45pm – Mamma Mia! (12)
Sing, dance and fall in love all over again with this sun-drenched ABBA musical.
2008 | 1hr 48min
📅 Sunday 10 August, 8.45pm – Sense and Sensibility (U)
Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet and Hugh Grant star in this lush Austen adaptation.
1995 | 2hr 16min
📅 Friday 15 August, 8.30pm – Romeo + Juliet (12)
Baz Luhrmann’s kinetic, neon-lit Shakespeare for the MTV generation.
1996 | 2hr
📅 Wednesday 27 August, 8.15pm – Matilda the Musical (PG)
Roald Dahl’s cleverest child bursts into song in this high-energy modern musical.
2022 | 1hr 57min
📅 Thursday 28 August, 8.15pm – Wicked (PG)
A spellbinding screen version of the Broadway hit, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
2024 | 2hr 40min
- Location: The Mansion House Garden, Calderstones Park
- Tickets: £14.50 adults / £9.50 under 16s
- Gates open one hour before each screening. Pre-orders will be taken for Hot Dogs (VE available) £8, Nachos, (VE available), £8, and Pizzas (Margherita or Pepperoni, VE available), £14. Treat yourself to a bottle of fizz for £25 or a bucket of Peroni beers (six bottles) for £20. Book a deckchair for £5 or bring your own picnic blanket.
- Deckchairs available to book for £5
Thanks to a grant from Livv Investment, part of Prescot-based Livv Housing Group, the cinema is part of The Reader’s expanding al fresco cultural offer – which also includes a popular open-air theatre season. Sharon Marsh, Executive Director at Livv Investment, says: “We’re not just supporting the arts – we’re helping to build stronger, healthier communities. This is an investment in human connection and creativity.”
Profits from ticket sales will go directly towards The Reader’s charitable work, which includes tackling social isolation through Shared Reading initiatives across Liverpool and beyond.
Calderstones Members get 10% off and early access from Friday 6 June, while general booking opens Tuesday 10 June.
To find out more and book your tickets, visit The Reader’s website.
🪴 Calderstones Members receive 10% off and priority booking from 10am, Friday 6 June.
🌟 General booking opens Tuesday 10 June.
