Welcome to Week 2 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 14th August, gather your friends for a summer afternoon in the sun and enjoy performances and quiz.
Tiny Tales is heading to The Dock from 11am to 12pm! Join us for magical, interactive theatre storytelling sessions where 2-4 year olds and their grown-ups can explore enchanting stories together. Book here and let the adventure begin — spaces are limited.
Letters to the Sea: A Spoken Word Celebration of Plymouth’s Blue Spaces
Letters to the Sea is a project which invites participants to bring their hopes, concerns and memories together connected to the ocean, and to ask – if you could write a letter to the sea, what would it say?
It began in 2024 as an interactive public engagement exhibit, curated by Plymouth’s Poet Laureate, Dr Rosemarie Corlett, as part of the Planet Ocean room at The Box Museum and Art Gallery.
Letters to the Sea aims to provide an inclusive way of holding and remembering marine environments that shifts focus from the role of humans as perpetrators and lamenters of loss, to ecological collaborators in the present moment.
The letters come from professional writers, schoolchildren, marines, sailors, climate change activists, sea swimmers… These performances will complement a digital anthology of letters, which will act as a platform to build and grow a complex and evolving collection of voices and stories, reflecting on and showcasing marine environments and social constructions of Plymouth Sound.
Time: 3pm – 4pm
Ticketed – Free
The Big Fat Musical Theatre Quiz of the Summer
When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad, I simply remember my favourite BIG FAT MUSICAL THEATRE QUIZ… and then I don’t feel so bad! Hosted by Plymouth Theatre Company and featuring live musical performances, your favourite musicals and fun trivia.
Try defying gravity to win some brilliant prizes and don’t throw away your shot for what will be a brilliantly stagey evening.
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!!
Friday 15th August invites anyone and everyone to celebrate their creative skills. Join us and celebrate the start of the weekend.
Tiny Tales is heading to The Dock from 11am to 12pm! Join us for magical, interactive theatre storytelling sessions where 2-4 year olds and their grown-ups can explore enchanting stories together. Book here and let the adventure begin — spaces are limited.
Far Flung presents
Find Your Beat
Love music? Love to dance?
Then Find Your Beat is calling your name!
This inclusive dance workshop is aimed at girls who are passionate about music and movement. Whether you want to build confidence, develop new skills, or explore inclusive dance and music techniques, this is your chance!
Time: 3pm – 4pm
Ticketed – Free
Trifle Gathering Productions and Far Flung present
HomesGrown – Open Mic
An Inclusive Open Mic event with electrifying live performance including music, dance, games, mass karaoke and comedy.
Dress to impress, grab some pals and head on down to HomesGrown – Open Mic, hosted by Trifle Gathering Productions and Far Flung.
Talent Call Out – The HomesGrown team invite any local budding performers to join them on stage to share their party turn & perform live. This can be of any artform from singing, dancing to juggling cats! All performers please email artist.development@theatreroyal.com to apply.
Time: 8pm – 11pm
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!
In the mood for some fun? Saturday 16th August is the day for games! Join us for nutty adventures or perhaps a quiz extravaganza.
Tiny Tales is heading to The Dock from 11am to 12pm! Join us for magical, interactive theatre storytelling sessions where 2-4 year olds and their grown-ups can explore enchanting stories together. Book here and let the adventure begin — spaces are limited.
Miracle Theatre presents
The Squirrel Society
The Secret Squirrel Society for the Appreciation of Acorns (S.S.S.A.A.) needs you!
These friendly squirrels need fearless, bright, acorn lovers with a deep respect for oak and a passion for all things cheeky!
Come and join this society of anarchic squirrel-scouts and help them save the oak to get one step closer to Oaktopia…
Grab your family and friends – or come make some – and embark on this immersive interactive challenge race created and performed by Cornwall’s Miracle Theatre.
Time: 3pm – 4pm
Ticketed – £7.50 Full Price (£5.50 Concessions)
Miracle Theatre presents
The Quizzards
A Pub Quiz Extravaganza, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary!
Join The Quizzards Kyla and Hannah for an epic quiz night that transcends the ordinary. Knowledge is but one part of the excellence you’ll need to win this quiz! With classic rounds, a special local segment, quirky sections (including the infamous “stop, drop & draw”), and a seriously strong intro, this quiz is going to require all your ingenuity and wit to claim the top prize.
All levels of brilliance are welcome, as we ignite your competitive spirit and celebrate community connections through the joy of quizzing. Are you ready for an unforgettable quiz adventure?
Gather your friends (or come and make some!) and spend a night of fun with The Quizzards Pub Quiz Extravaganza!
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!
Fancy yourself as a star-baker? Or perhaps just need a boogie to end the weekend. There’s something for everyone on Sunday 17th August.
Camp Bake Off
Join us for our Community Cake Competition! Each group or organization is invited to bring one homemade cake, complete with a story and ingredient card. Cakes will be shared at a central tasting table and judged by a panel of special guests.
This is more than just a baking contest—it’s a chance to celebrate diversity through food, music, and performance. By collaborating with communities across the city, we hope to create a sense of belonging in a space that hasn’t always felt accessible. Let’s come together to connect, create, and reimagine what theatre and community can be—one slice at a time!
Time: 4pm – 5pm
Open Access
The Cabarats
No genre is safe from this band! Dub-infused rhythms and knees-up ska collide courageously with eastern melodies, world instruments and infectious vocal hooks to form an alluring and energetic sound.
The Cabarats are constantly sourcing inspiration from all over the world, but have a particular passion for Reggae and Ska, as well as traditional music from Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The sound is embellished with electronic samples and a uniquely psychedelic texture which segues dynamically from one style to another, often succumbing to climactic moments of heavy rock.
The ever-growing list of instruments played by these five individuals includes, accordion, outar (a custom built fretless oud-guitar hybrid), keyboards, brass, guitars, drums, pedals, synths, sirens, samplers and more!
It’s been an exciting journey so far for the band, playing at major festivals such as Boomtown Fair, and supporting some of their favourite acts including Undercover Hippy and Dubioza Kolektiv.
Time: 7pm – 8.30pm
Open Access
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.