We don’t want to be dramatic…
…so we’ll leave it to the professionals taking to the stage at London’s most iconic al fresco arts space, the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, which is back open for business this summer.
Surprisingly for its size – it seats a cool 1,253 – it’s a place you wouldn’t really stumble across unless you knew it was there. Hidden away in a grassy corner of Regent’s Park, surrounded completely by trees, it’s more amphitheatre than theatre. A horseshoe of stadium-style seating envelops the stage, which – given that there aren’t curtains, drop-in scenery or wings like in a traditional theatre – is always constructed into creative and unusual sets. And yes, the whole theatre is left entirely open to the elements, making it a magical setting by night or day.
This year the season’s headlined by a blockbuster from the bard: Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night will be directed by RSC Associate Director Owen Horsley, which opens on 3rd May. That’s followed by a new adaptation of the classic Frances Hodgson Burnett story, The Secret Garden, written and directed by Holly Robinson and Anna Himali Howard – and it all wraps up with a brand new 60th anniversary production of the classic musical Fiddler On The Roof.
As always, though, these big productions will be bolstered by a line-up of lighter, family-friendly shows. This year they include the first ever stage adaptation of Bear Snores On, written by Cush Jumbo, and a musical version of the Roald Dahl story, The Enormous Crocodile.
Thennnn – oh yes, there’s more – you can expect the usual supplementary shows in comedy and cabaret to be announced soon. Last year they included Bridget Christie, Sara Pascoe and Tim Key, so you can set expectations firmly to high…
David Jensen
The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre also has a bar on site, as well as a café, some covered dining, a grill, and a pre-theatre drinks service. They even have a dedicated lawn just outside the theatre for picnicking, and you can bring your own food from home.
Which is good. Most theatres usually have a blanket ban.
NOTE: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s summer 2024 season runs from 3rd May – 21st September. Tickets start at £15 for the main productions. You can find out more, and book, at their website right HERE.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre | Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NU
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