One of Harrogate’s best-loved summer traditions returns as Oddsocks brings a hilarious Romeo & Juliet to RHS Harlow Carr

Fancy a summer evening that’s a little different? Swap the cinema for the great outdoors, pack a picnic and head to RHS Harlow Carr, where the legendary Oddsocks theatre company is returning with its laugh-out-loud take on Romeo & Juliet.

Back by popular demand on 30 June and 1 July, this much-loved outdoor performance promises comedy, live music, colourful characters and plenty of audience participation – making it the perfect evening out for families, couples and groups of friends.

After entertaining Harrogate audiences for more than 30 years, Oddsocks has become one of the highlights of the town’s summer calendar.

🌿 Why you should go

Whether you’ve never seen Shakespeare before or know every line, Oddsocks makes the Bard brilliantly accessible.

Here’s why audiences keep coming back:

• 🎭 A fresh, funny version of Romeo & Juliet
• 😂 Fast-paced comedy with plenty of slapstick
• 🎶 Live music throughout the performance
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Entertainment suitable for all ages
• 🌸 An unforgettable setting in the beautiful gardens of RHS Harlow Carr
• 🧺 Bring your own picnic, blankets and folding chairs

It’s outdoor theatre at its most entertaining.

Shakespeare with a huge sense of humour

Forget the classroom version.

Oddsocks transforms Shakespeare’s tragic love story into a joyful celebration packed with laughter, music and larger-than-life characters.

As two feuding families tear a town apart, Romeo and Juliet fall hopelessly in love. Along the way there are mischievous nurses, eccentric friars, comic misunderstandings and plenty of chances for the audience to become part of the action.

The result is an energetic production that appeals just as much to first-time theatre-goers as lifelong Shakespeare fans.

A Harrogate favourite for more than three decades

Oddsocks isn’t just another touring theatre company.

Founded in 1989 by Andy Barrow and Elli Mackenzie, they’ve been performing as part of Harrogate International Festivals since the early 1990s, creating cherished summer memories for thousands of local families.

Their unique mix of comedy, storytelling and live music has earned national acclaim, with The Stage praising the company for its “great comic timing and superb slapstick.”

What the cast says

Creative Producer Elli Mackenzie said the company always looks forward to returning to Harrogate.Our audience in Harrogate is always so supportive and fun to play to and the beautiful surroundings at RHS Harlow Carr make the experience all the better.The future of our work, and live theatre in general, relies heavily on organisations such as Harrogate International Festivals, who have booked our productions since the early 1990s. It’s always a highlight to return.”

Harrogate International Festivals Chief Executive Sharon Canavar added:Summer in Harrogate just wouldn’t be the same without an Oddsocks appearance.They’ve been bringing joy and laughter to generations of families for more than 30 years. Pack your picnic, rugs and folding chairs, wrap up for the British weather and enjoy an evening of laughter and mayhem that’s suitable for all ages.”

Plan your visit

📍 Venue: RHS Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB

📅 Dates: Monday 30 June & Tuesday 1 July

🕢 Time: 7.30pm

🎟 Tickets: £25

Bring a picnic, a blanket or folding chairs, and don’t forget a warm layer once the sun goes down.

Why this is one of Harrogate’s must-see summer events

Outdoor theatre has become one of the defining experiences of summer in Harrogate, and Oddsocks continues to be one of its biggest attractions.

Whether you’re introducing children to Shakespeare for the first time, planning a relaxed date night or simply looking for a memorable evening with friends, this lively production offers something for everyone.

With beautiful gardens, a picnic under the evening sky and two hours of laughter, it’s easy to see why audiences return year after year.