The Reader to launch new open air cinema this summer

Eight handpicked films are set to hit the big screen in the heart of Calderstones Park this July as national Shared Reading charity The Reader unveils a brand-new outdoor cinema for Liverpool.

The Reader will be launching Liverpool’s biggest new open-air cinema this summer with a selection of brilliant films, ranging from literary adaptations to feel-good classics and family-friendly favourites. Screenings will run from Wednesday 30 July right through to Thursday 28 August, set against the backdrop of the idyllic Grade II listed Georgian Mansion House.

Jen Chapman, Associate Director of Marketing, Communications & Digital at The Reader, 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.”

Kicking us off, the first film to open the summer season on Wednesday 30 July, is 90s 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 Valentine’ on Thursday 31 July, 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 – 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, 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. 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.

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, and 2024 blockbuster musical ‘Wicked’ on Thursday 28 August, starring Cynthia Arivo and Ariana Grande.

The Reader Open Air Outdoor Cinema — Credit: The Reader

This new outdoor 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 where you can hire a deckchair, grab a bite to eat, get a round of drinks in and soak up the atmosphere with live music under the summer sky.

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, with general sale tickets being available from Tuesday 10th June.

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