The Reader announces full list of films for summer open air cinema

The Reader’s boutique outdoor cinema at The Mansion House garden is back this August with a host of classic films.

Emerald Fennell’s new “Wuthering Heights”, pluscult classics Clueless and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, are among 10 top films at Liverpool’s largest outdoor cinema this summer.

The Reader’s Mansion House garden is the stunning setting for a second summer of feel-good movies within the grounds of a Grade II listed Georgian house and its beautiful grounds in Calderstones Park, South Liverpool.

Jen Chapman, Associate Director of Marketing, Communications & Digital at The Reader, the UK’s largest Shared Reading charity, said:

“We’re delighted our open-air cinema is back in one of South Liverpool’s most iconic locations and this year we asked the local community for any films they’d like to see on the big screen here. La La Land, Grease, Dirty Dancing and Jurassic Park were all popular requests and we are so excited to add them to this summer season. 

“Audiences are invited into an experience which extends beyond a film screening in our gorgeous Mansion House garden with food, fizz, festoon lighting and a festival feel. Our screenings are cosy, intimate events that aren’t easily forgotten. And, every ticket helps us deliver our charitable work transforming lives through the power of literature throughout Liverpool and beyond. They’re feel-good films in every sense of the word.”

This summer sees an eclectic programme of cult literary adaptations, family favourites and big-screen Hollywood blockbusters, plus indoor Mini Movies especially for the youngest cinema lovers every Monday during the summer holidays.

The season line-up includes:

• Pride (15), Wednesday 29 July, 9pm
• Dirty Dancing (12), Wednesday 30 July, 9pm and Friday 14 August 8.30pm
• Breakfast at Tiffany’s (PG), Sunday 2 August, 8.45pm
• Clueless (12), Tuesday 4 August, 8.45pm 
• La La Land (12A) Wednesday 19 August, 8.30pm
• “Wuthering Heights” (15) Wednesday 5 August, 9pm
• Romeo + Juliet (12A, 30^th anniversary), Wednesday 12 August, 8.30pm 
• Grease (12), Thursday 13 August, 8.30pm and Thursday 20 August, 8.15pm
• Back to the Future (PG) Wednesday 26 August, 8.15pm
• Jurassic Park (12A) Thursday 27 August, 8.15pm

A series of short and sweet Mini Movies screenings for children will take place every Monday during the school holidays inside the charity’s cosy Mansion House Theatre Room at 10.30am (Doors, 10am). 

Films include:

• Zog and the Flying Doctors (26 mins), Monday 27 July
• The Scarecrows’ Wedding (25 mins), Monday 3 August
• Tabby McTat (24 mins), Monday 10 August
• The Smeds & The Smoos (27 mins), Monday 17 August
• The Highway Rat (26 mins), Monday 24 August
• The Gruffalo (27 mins), Monday 31 August

Soundproof headphones enhance the experience, with deckchairs and heaters adding to the comfort level, or bring your own seating and picnic. And if the weather report predicts a bit of drizzle, the cinema is covered by a giant open-air canopy.

Arrive early and soak up the atmosphere with live music, feasting al fresco or sipping a glass of fizz under the summer sky. Gates will open an hour before advertised screening time.

Ticket prices are £15 adults, £9.50 for under 16s and for Mini Movies. Sign up to be a Calderstones Member for a 10% discount. Cinema-goers can pre-book deckchairs, (£5), candlelit VIP tables for 2-4 people with waiter service (£30), hot dogs (VE available, £8), nachos (VE available, £8), pizzas (VE available £14), bottle of fizz (£25) and a bucket of Peroni (six bottles, £20). 

Priority booking will open on Friday 1 May for Calderstones Members and general sale will launch on Tuesday 5 May.  

All profits support The Reader’s charitable work transforming lives through literature in Liverpool and beyond.  

Find out more on The Reader website.

Find more movie showcases across Liverpool here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.