Culture on Scilly announce Summer 2025 theatre programme for the islands
Funded by Arts Council England and managed by the Council of the Isles of Scilly, the Culture on Scilly programme brings performing arts and cultural events to the Isles of Scilly
Summer headline shows now announced, and tickets are on sale
Further shows to follow for the islands’ series of theatre events
The Culture on Scilly programme helps to inform plans for the new Cultural Centre and Museum, opening in 2026 on St Mary’s
Mark your calendars and grab your picnic blankets — Culture on Scilly has announced their season of theatre shows for 2025, and the programme of events is bigger, bolder, and bursting with stories, songs, and summer magic.
From fairy tales and globe-trotting adventures to Shakespeare under the stars and family fairytale fun, this year’s arts programme promises something special for everyone.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or lucky enough to call the Isles of Scilly home, there’s never been a better time to dive into the arts.
So, what’s on in 2025? Here is a little tour through this year’s unmissable highlights:
🎶JUNE: OperaCocktail by OperaUpClose
14-15 June |St Mary’s
A delicious cocktail of classics by Puccini, Mozart, Verdi and more, in sparkling English translations with a contemporary twist, performed by the UK’s brightest and best.
Told through brilliantly evocative music including the famous Habanera from Carmen and Verdi’s timeless Drinking Song from La Traviata, OperaCocktail will move, entertain and delight.
🎉Intimate in scale, mighty in impact.
🌍 JUNE: Around the World in 80 Days by Ha Hum Ah
20–22 June | Tresco & St Mary’s
Buckle up for a madcap, high-speed adventure around the world! This fast-paced, laugh-out-loud adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic is a whirlwind adventure across continents, with three fearless actors taking on dozens of characters. Think split-second costume changes, chaotic comedy, and a whole lot of fun.
🎟️ Family-friendly and full of heart—don’t miss it!
🚶♀️ JUNE: Walk the Walk by Camp Theatre
27 & 29 June | St Mary’s & Tresco
Six walkers. Two coasts. One unforgettable journey. Peter Gordon’s warm, witty play follows a quirky group on a cross-country trek full of secrets, laughter, and emotional twists.
💬 Touching and relatable, it’s theatre with a lot of soul.
🎉 JULY: Twelfth Night by Miracle Theatre
23, 25 & 26 July | Tresco & St Mary’s
Illyria awaits! Miracle Theatre’s fresh take on Shakespeare’s beloved comedy is bursting with mistaken identities, unrequited love, and riotous mischief. Directed by Sally Crooks (of Love Riot fame), it’s witty, wild, and wonderfully accessible.
🎭 Shakespeare like you’ve never seen before—fun for all!
💘 AUGUST: As You Like It by Festival Players Theatre Co.
9–11 August | St Mary’s, Tresco & St Martin’s
All-male, all-Shakespeare, and all heart! Escape to the Forest of Arden in this romantic comedy full of disguise, desire, and delightful surprises. With Dame Judi Dench as their patron, this is Shakespeare done right—open-air, entertaining, and beautifully performed.
🌳 Perfect for a balmy August evening under the stars.
✨ AUGUST: Cinderella by IK Productions
19–21 August | St Mary’s, St Martin’s & Tresco
Glass slippers, magical mishaps, and more fairy dust than you can shake a wand at—Cinderella is coming to Scilly! IK Productions always bring the fun, and this brand-new show is packed with music, mayhem, and feel-good family vibes.
👑 An absolute must for the school holidays—bring the kids, and their grandparents too!
Ready to book?
Tickets are popular for the spring and summer season of arts events, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic. More shows are due to be announced, so stay tuned for additional information coming soon.
📍 Performances take place across St Mary’s, Tresco, and St Martin’s—so whether you’re island-hopping or catching a show close to home, you’re never far from entertainment and culture .
Full information and ticket links can be found here:
Alternatively, theatregoers can purchase tickets from St Mary’s Tourist Information Centre. It is also often possible to buy tickets on the door, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Let’s make summer 2025 an exciting adventure in the arts — we hope to see you in the audience!
About Culture on Scilly
With the support of Arts Council England, we are presenting a range of activities throughout 2025 which will help inform the programme of the new Isles of Scilly Cultural Centre and Museum. Our programme is also supported by Five Islands Academy, Old Town Inn, Visit Scilly and Scilly Arts and Heritage.
Alongside our regular programme of events, we run and support projects and commissions which enable people to experience high-quality arts and culture. We work with partners on Scilly and beyond to deliver work which focuses on community participation, building new audiences, and developing skills – especially for young people on Scilly.
We’re also looking forward to working with several high-profile arts companies over the next year. They want to create new work inspired by the experiences of our communities and the unique qualities of the Isles of Scilly.
As the plans for the Town Hall take shape, this work will become integrated with the activities and programme of the new Cultural Centre and Museum.
Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
About Isles of Scilly Cultural Centre and Museum
The much-loved Grade II listed Town Hall in Hugh Town, St Mary’s, has always been a place for the community to gather and to welcome visitors.
Now - led by the Council of the Isles of Scilly working in partnership with Scilly Arts and Heritage - there are plans to rejuvenate that legacy by creating an attractive, year-round flexible venue. It will act as a new home to the museum, provide a welcoming indoor performance space for live music and theatre and act as an essential community hall.
This project is led by the Council of the Isles of Scilly, working in partnership with Scilly Arts and Heritage. Our funders included Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Shared Prosperity Fund, Arts Council England, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. We’re working together with Islands Partnership.