A programme of outdoor arts events is coming to Barnes Pond this summer.

As theatres across the UK are not yet at full capacity, outdoor performances are now taking centre stage.  

South west London will host a series of theatre and arts events, staged beside the picturesque pond on Barnes Green.

The Barnes Pond Summer Festival is organised by the OSO Arts Centre, in partnership with the Barnes Community Association.

Events will kick off with The Miraculous Misadventures of Robin Hood on the evening of Saturday, July 24, followed by Romeo and Juliet on Saturday, August 7.

Both are performed by the innovative outdoor touring theatre company, The Three Inch Fools. In over 250 shows, the company insist they have only been rained on 27 times.

The festival also includes outdoor cinema screenings and live music events.

Jonny Danciger, Artistic Director of the OSO Arts Centre, said: “The OSO theatre looks out on to Barnes Green, and for years we have toyed with the idea of outdoor theatre. Current capacity restrictions and the pent-up demand for live performance have generated the momentum to make it happen."

Mr Danciger plans for the festival to be an annual event - modelled on the success of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

“Even when restrictions are lifted, Barnes Green makes a perfect location for outdoor performance – even in the rain”. For Festival details and ticket availability, visit www.osoarts.org.u