This July, The Reader is launching Liverpool’s biggest new open-air cinema in the beautiful Calderstones Park.
Eight handpicked films, ranging from literary adaptations to feel-good classics and family-friendly favourites, will be hitting the screen under the stars between Wednesday 30 July and Thursday 28 August. The open-air cinema is set against the backdrop of the Grade II-listed Georgian Mansion House.
Jen Chapman, Associate Director of Marketing, Communications & Digital at The Reader, the UK’s largest Shared Reading charity, said:
“Open air cinema is such a fun experience and our gorgeous Mansion House garden in Calderstones Park is just the perfect space for it. 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.”
The first film to open the summer season onWednesday 30 July, 9pm is 1999 high school rom com 10 Things I Hate About You, a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. It will be followed by the 1989 comedy Shirley Valentineon Thursday 31 July, 9pm, adapted from Willy Russell’s monologue about a Liverpudlian housewife’s transformational trip to the Greek island of her dream, and Greta Gerwig’s Oscar-winning coming of age period drama, Little Women, on Thursday 7 August, 8.45pm, based on Louisa May Alcott‘s 1868 novel.
Enjoy the perfect summer holiday watch and ABBA singalong under the summer sky with Mamma Mia! on Friday 8 August, 8.45pm, and paying homage to Jane Austen’s 250 year anniversary is the 1995 all-star adaptation of Sense & Sensibility with Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet on Sunday 10 August, 8.45pm. Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 remake of Shakespeare’s teen tragedy, Romeo & Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, will also be screened on Friday 15 August, 8.30pm.
The season draws to a close with two family-friendly films: the 2022 version of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, an adaptation of the RSC’s Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical, on Wednesday 27 August, 8.15pm and 2024 blockbuster musical Wicked on Thursday 28 August, 8.15pm starring Cynthia Arivo and Ariana Grande.
This new outdoor open-air cinema has been made possible thanks to a grant by social investor Livv Investment, part of Livv Housing Group, based in Prescot.
Sharon Marsh, Executive Director at Livv Investment, said:
“We’re delighted to be investing in The Reader and are pleased to hear their plans for an open-air cinema over the summer. By investing in The Reader, we’re not just supporting the arts – we’re helping to facilitate measurable social impact. Reading initiatives and cultural events build stronger, healthier communities, reduce isolation, and foster resilience. It’s a powerful return on investment in human connection and creativity, and we’re looking forward to seeing this investment come to life.”
TICKETS, TREATS & SEATS
Gates will open an hour before screening time in the lawned, festoon lit landscaped garden. Arrive early and soak up the atmosphere with music, food and drinks under the summer sky. 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.
Tickets cost £14.50 for adults and £9.50 for under 16s. Calderstones members will be able to save 10% and receive priority booking from 10am on Friday 6 June. General sale will open from Tuesday 10 June. All bookings can be made here.
The new film season is part of the charity’s al fresco programming. It also runs an annual, vibrant summer open-air theatre season, which will see 2025’s upcoming productions launched in spring. To see What’s On visit here.
All profits will support The Reader’s charitable work transforming lives through literature in Liverpool and beyond.
FULL LIST OF FILMS:
10 Things I Hate About You (12) – Wednesday 30 July, 9pm
“I hate you so much it makes me sick – It even makes me rhyme” This whip-smart retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew starring Health Ledger and Julia Stiles is packed with iconic moments and snappy one-liners. It’s “too good to be true”.
1999 / 1hr 37min
Shirley Valentine (15) – Thursday 31 July, 9pm
“Why do we get all these feelings and dreams and hopes if we don’t ever use them?” The much-loved film adaptation of Willy Russell’s play about a fed-up Liverpool housewife who takes a life-changing trip to Greece and rediscovers her sparkle, her sense of adventure and the joy of life.
1989 / 1h 48min
Little Women (U) – Thursday 7 August, 8.45pm
“I just wish I was rich, and I could spend my whole life in a hammock reading” Greta Gerwig sprinkles her directorial magic onto Louise May Alcott’s classic coming-of-age novel about the four beloved March sisters and the unbreakable bonds of love.
2019 / 2h 15min
Mamma Mia! (12) – Friday 8 August, 8.45pm
“Life is short. The world is wide. I want to make some memories” Dust off your dungarees! This star-studded musical comedy sound tracked by ABBA’s greatest hits feels like a mini holiday on screen. Perfect for watching under the summer sky.
2008 / 1h 48min
Sense & Sensibility (U) – Sunday 10 August, 8.45pm
“My heart is, and always will be, yours.” Jane Austen’s timeless tale of class, love and money shimmering with pitch perfect performances from an A-list British cast.
1995 / 2h 16min
Romeo & Juliet (12) – Friday 15 August, 8.30pm
“Did my heart love till now? forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.”
Baz Luhrmann’s breathtaking adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy feels as fresh today as when it first hit the big screen and features one of the greatest soundtracks in cinema history.
1996 / 2h
Matilda the Musical (PG) – Wednesday 27 August, 8.15pm
“All the reading she had done had given her a view of life that they had never seen.”
This riotous musical of Roald Dahl’s story about an extraordinary girl celebrates kindness, courage and taking a stand for what is right. Even if that means being a little bit naughty…
2022 / 1h 57min
Wicked (PG) – Thursday 28 August, 8.15pm
“As someone told me lately, everyone deserves the chance to fly.”
Take flight with this musical phenomenon featuring knockout performances, impossibly beautiful visuals and certified bangers. Pure magic.
2024 / 2h 40min
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