Welcome to Week 1 of Summer in the Scene Dock!
Join us for an unmissable programme of outdoor events at Theatre Royal Plymouth this August.
We’re transforming our Scene Dock* into a welcoming hub of entertainment and community.
Expect bands, quiz nights, DJ sets, theatre, cabaret, workshops, roaming performers and more.
Plus, enjoy a selection of food from local vendors and drinks from our pop-up bar.
All events are family friendly but check out the individual activities for more details. Read on to discover what’s in store each day!
*The Scene Dock is the outside space at the rear of the theatre where trucks unload sets, costumes, props and other scenery (Scene, as in scenery and Dock, as in where the trucks dock to unload).
Please note, the artist and activity line-up is subject to change.
On Thursday 7th August, enjoy a relaxed program of cultural workshops and performances from the local community in Plymouth.
Bridging Cultures
Step into a world of colour, sound, and story with Cultural Awareness Through Play. This vibrant display invites children and families to explore authentic objects, musical instruments, traditional crafts, textiles, and symbolic items from diverse cultures. Through guided discovery, storytelling and creative play, participants engage their senses and imagination while developing respect and appreciation for the richness of global heritage. Ideal for schools, community centres, or family events, this interactive experience encourages questions, connections, and meaningful dialogue.
Content Warning: This display includes cultural artefacts and symbolic objects from different traditions. We advise respectful handling and encourage adult supervision, particularly around fragile items. Some themes may include foods (play food), rituals, or religious symbols that require sensitive interpretation. Please engage with an open, inclusive mindset.
Time: 3pm – 4pm
Ticketed – Free
Local DJ
Join us for an electrifying evening of music and good vibes with a special guest DJ from the South West. Stay tuned—our headliner will be announced soon!
Get your weekend started! Friday 8th August will be hosted by the site’s entertainment team with a vibrant mix of community and programmed performances.
Far Flung presents
Mossy Carpet
Take a celebratory stroll along Art and Energy’s Mossy Carpet and enjoy storytelling.
An uplifting, accessible, inclusive, collaborative, community-crafted opportunity to slow down, connect and adopt actions for our future.
There is an opportunity to play and make your own pom poms to add to the Mossy Carpet.
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Ticketed – Free
Milk Poetry Night
Join Milk Poetry for an hour of potent, playful, and unforgettable spoken word from some of the UK’s most exciting voices. With a reputation for warmth, inclusivity, and high-quality curation, Milk Poetry brings together poets to move, challenge, and inspire.
Expect everything from lyrical storytelling to punchy political commentary, all delivered with heart and craft. Whether you’re a seasoned poetry fan or completely new to spoken word, this is your chance to experience the vibrancy and diversity of the scene at its best.
Hosted by Malaika Kegode.
Time: 8pm – 9pm
Ticketed – £7.50 Full Price (£5.50 Concessions)
Local DJ
Join us for an electrifying evening of music and good vibes with a special guest DJ from the South West. Stay tuned—our headliner will be announced soon!
Join us on 9th August for a Saturday afternoon on for the whole family. The weekend celebration continues into the evening with lively music and entertainment acts.
Squashbox Theatre presents
The Sea Show
The Sea Show is a quirky and hilarious mix of puppet show, natural history and comedy cabaret. Meet crazy characters like Morwenna the ‘beautiful’ mermaid, Ruan the reformed seagull and salty seadog Captain Pemburthy, as well as a cast of mischievous sea-squirts, anemones, limpets, crabs and pilchards. Come and celebrate the sea with tall tales, silly slapstick, fantastic facts, live music and songs – unmissable fun for children and adults of all ages!
Squashbox Theatre is the creation of Craig Johnson: Penzance-based actor, puppeteer and musician, and long-standing member of Cornwall’s Kneehigh Theatre.
“Craig’s success lies in the fact that he talks to, rather than at, his young audience…and he does it all with a huge sense of joy and fun that is as inspiring as it is infectious. An engaging entertainer to be treasured.” Frank Ruhrmund, The Cornishman.
Time: 3pm – 4pm
Ticketed – £7.50 Full Price (£5.50 Concessions)
hedluv + passman
repping west cornwall
britain’s most southerly rappers have long been holding it down
rappers aren’t generally known for their stage shows
in that respect, hedluv + passman are different
from their bombastic opener to the ‘costume changes’
it’s a show jam packed with surprises that’s guaranteed to leave a smile on your face
“freakily funny” – the guardian
“rather wonderful” – the times
Time: 8pm – 9pm
Ticketed – £7.50 Full Price (£5.50 Concessions)
Local DJ
Join us for an electrifying evening of music and good vibes with a special guest DJ from the South West. Stay tuned—our headliner will be announced soon!
Unwind with us on Sunday day-time 10th August with a relaxed programme of activities for the whole family. End your weekend on a high with swinging live music.
Kelliwik Golowi Band
The Kelliwik Golowi Band is a folk ensemble of more than 20 musicians, originally formed in 2023 for the launch of the new Callington festival, Kelliwik Golowi. Following the excitement and momentum of the event, several of its members decided to continue the band beyond the festival — and so the Kelliwik Golowi Band was born.
Time: 3pm – 4pm
Open Access
Real Steel
Internationally acclaimed and proudly Plymouth based, Real Steel are a self-funded, volunteer powered steel band bringing the vibrant rhythms of the Caribbean to every stage they grace. Crowned Best Steel Band on the Road at last year’s Notting Hill Carnival, they’re known for infectious energy, dazzling musicianship and a community spirit that shines through every note. If you’re ready to be transported to sun soaked shores, don’t miss your chance to hear them live. Just a warning, you won’t be able to sit still.
Content Warning: Loud music.
Time: 4pm – 5pm
Open Access
Company B
Straight out of the “sunny” county of Cornwall, Company B has been bringing big energy and even bigger tunes to stages across the South West (and beyond) for the past 14 years. This rowdy seven-piece jump jive band has popped up everywhere, from the London Science Museum to festival main stages, even rubbing shoulders with international music legends along the way.
Their show? A whirlwind of 1940s sights and sounds, shaken up with a modern twist. Expect a rock-solid rhythm section, a blasting horn lineup, and vocals that bounce between rowdy shouts and silky harmonies. They don’t just play the classics from Louis Prima and Louis Jordan—they throw in their own “tongue-in-cheek” originals to keep things fresh and fun.
Whether you’re a die-hard swing fan or just love a good party, Company B’s infectious energy guarantees a toe-tapping, hip-shaking, feel-good time for all ages.
So, are you ready to jump, jive, and boogie? Company B sure is!
Time: 7pm – 8.30pm
Ticketed – £7.50 Full Price (£5.50 Concessions)
MORE TO EXPLORE AT SUMMER IN THE SCENE DOCK
FAQs
What does an 'Open Access Event' mean?
An open access event means that you do not need to book a ticket for the event – just turn up and join us on the day! Please note, spaces are limited and access is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I bring my dog?
While pets are not permitted in Summer in the Scene Dock, we are happy to welcome assistance dogs.
Can I bring my own food?
Picnic food, packed lunches and snacks are welcome. Please don’t bring fast food or take away food into the Scene Dock.
Can I bring my own drinks?
Soft drinks in cans and plastic bottles are welcome. Please don’t bring alcohol into the Scene Dock.
Do you accept cash?
Yes we accept cash on our TRP bar and tuck shops. Our guest food Vendors will vary. Please feel free to get in touch to check in advance.
Where are my digital tickets?
In-person: If you are unable to display an e-ticket on a digital device, please ensure you bring your order number or a copy of your order confirmation email along with you.
Through a browser: Digital tickets for forthcoming events are available to view in the Upcoming Events section of your online accounts 7 days before the show.
Through the app: Download the app to access your tickets through your phone.
We are also able to print paper tickets, which can be posted to you in advance of the performance. There is a charge of £3 (2nd class) or £3.50 (1st class) for this service. To request paper tickets, please contact our Box Office on 01752 267222.
Can I bring a pram?
Yes, prams are permitted on site. Please speak to a member of staff for advice on the best place to store it.
Can I just come along for free to see the DJ?
Yes, the DJ is an open event, please come and enjoy for free. There is a limited capacity so you may be asked to wait.
Do you have toilets?
The TRP front of house toilets will be open as usual.
How do I get to the festival?
The Scene Dock is the outside space at the rear of the theatre where trucks unload sets, costumes, props and other scenery (Scene, as in scenery and Dock, as in where the trucks dock to unload).
Please click here to see where we are on a map!
Please click here for directions including how to reach us by public transport and places to park around us.
Are there any age restrictions for the festival?
All events are family friendly but check out the individual activities for more details.
Is smoking or vaping allowed on-site?
Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited at Summer in the Scene Dock. This includes the use of electronic cigarettes and similar devices.