Summer in the Scene Dock: A Month of Free and Affordable Events at Theatre Royal Plymouth
By Bracken Jelier
This August, Theatre Royal Plymouth is transforming its backstage area into a buzzing outdoor festival space – and everyone’s invited.
Across four jam-packed weeks, the Scene Dock (normally where sets and scenery arrive) becomes a vibrant community hub full of music, theatre, workshops, cabaret, food, DJs and more.
Whether you want to dance at a silent disco, quiz with your friends, hear spoken word by some of the UK’s best poets or just enjoy a laid-back Sunday with live music and a slice of cake, there’s something here for you.
What is the Scene Dock?
The Scene Dock is the outside space at the rear of Theatre Royal Plymouth where trucks usually unload theatre sets and props. This summer, it's being reimagined as a lively, welcoming space for the public – perfect for summer evenings and weekend hangouts.
When is it happening?
Every Thursday–Sunday from 7th to 30th August 2025
Each week has a different theme and mix of activities – from open mic nights and community fêtes to professional cabaret and family theatre.
How much does it cost?
There are three types of events:
Ticketed – £7.50 full price / £5.50 concession
Ticketed – Free (but still need to book in advance or at the box office)
Open Access – Free (no booking required, just turn up)
Under 2s go free and under 18s qualify for concession prices.
What’s free to do?
There are plenty of free events throughout the month, including:
HomesGrown Open Mic – inclusive night of music, dance, comedy and karaoke
Rant Club Workshop – celebrate your opinions in a fun, theatrical space
Dance Afternoon – a beginner’s street dance workshop for all ages
Make a Moon Monster Puppet – a drop-in craft activity for children aged 3–10
Camp Bake Off – community cake competition with shared tasting
Cultural Awareness Through Play – hands-on storytelling and craft from global traditions
Make and Move / Summer Parade – craft your own prop and take part in a city centre parade
Plus, there are Open Access live music acts every weekend – just turn up and enjoy.
What’s suitable for children and families?
Many events are designed with children and families in mind:
Family Friendly Highlights:
Tiny Tales (age 2–4): Magical storytelling sessions
The Sea Show by Squashbox Theatre: A comedy puppet show for all ages
The Squirrel Society by Miracle Theatre: An interactive adventure with cheeky squirrels
Fraser Hooper – Fair Play: Hilarious clowning and mayhem for the whole family
Make a Moon Monster Puppet: Craft fun for little ones
Camp Bake Off: Families are encouraged to bake and bring a cake
Younger children should be supervised at workshops involving craft tools or cultural artefacts. Age guidance is listed on each activity page online.
What’s for adults or older teens?
While the whole programme is family-friendly, some evenings are perfect for grown-ups or older audiences:
Evening Highlights:
Milk Poetry Night: Spoken word with heart and humour
Queenagers Cabaret: Celebrating middle-aged women with comedy and music
The Big Fat Musical Theatre Quiz: Fun, prizes, and live performances
Silent Disco with Red Herring: Learn dance moves or do your own thing
Mik Artistik’s Ego Trip: Wild Northern cabaret-meets-rock
Letters to the Sea: Poetic reflections on Plymouth’s blue spaces
hedluv + passman: Quirky Cornish rap duo with full stage show
Evening events are often ticketed and may not be suitable for very young children due to content, volume or duration.
How to get involved
Turn up to any Open Access event – just arrive early to get a space.
Book ahead for free or paid ticketed events via the Theatre Royal Plymouth website or box office.
Join in: Want to perform? The HomesGrown Open Mic is open to local talent – email artist.development@theatreroyal.com.
Bring a cake: Take part in the Camp Bake Off by sharing your baking and a story behind it.
Why it matters
This summer’s programme is designed to be welcoming, inclusive and fun – a chance to use public space differently and bring people together through creativity, joy and play. Whether you’re a long-time theatre fan or just curious to try something new, Summer in the Scene Dock invites you to show up as you are.
For the full listings, booking links and updates on headline acts, visit:
www.theatreroyal.com/summerintheSceneDock
