The most unusual theatrical setting you can imagine is the lush Regent's Park at night. The theatre is situated in Queen Mary's Gardens, which is the Inner Circle of Regent's Park. It's a lovely area surrounded entirely by the greenery. The Open Air Theatre operates in the summer season, usually between the middle of spring and early autumn. It counts 1,250 seats and stages legendary Shakespeare's masterpieces as well as comedies, dramas, and musicals penned by modern playwrights.
Location & Venue
The theatre draws in over 150,000 attendees to the venue. And it's no wonder—the establishment is unlike anything you've ever seen before. The theatre is literally open—it's completely uncovered. Nevertheless, the show is always on in spite of weather conditions and is canceled only in extreme circumstances. The only sheltered space may be found underneath the tiered auditorium. There, you'll discover a fairly long bar stretching the entire length of the seating. The bar is one of the longest ones among all of London's theaters.
Ongoing Productions
Throughout its jam-packed 20-week schedule, the actors and producers manage to put on several meticulously crafted plays, stunning thousands of spectators and leaving them wanting more. The program includes magical fairytales like Bear Snores On and The Enormous Crocodile, and hopeful stories of The Secret Garden, Twelfth Night, and Fiddler on the Roof.
Bear Snores On (March 23-April 21, 2024)
A lovely tale based on the book by Jane Chapman and Karma Wilson is definitely worth watching with your children. The first production of the season tells the story of a curious mouse on her own journey of discovery in search of a warm shelter. The tickets range from £14.50 to £16.50. This play will take place in the indoor arena instead of the usual outdoor setting.
Twelfth Night (May 3-June 8, 2024)
As a tradition, Regent's Park Outdoor Open Air Theatre puts on Shakespearean productions, and this year isn't an exception. A breathtaking rendition of Shakespeare's "Or What You Will" takes you on a journey of deception, loss, and a breathtaking celebration of love. The performance unfolds from Monday to Saturday at 7:30 pm. Tickets range from £15 to £63.
The Enormous Crocodile (May 17-June 8, 2024)
The Enormous Crocodile will make you tap your feet right in your seats with its jazzy songs and fun performances. Based on Roald Dahl's story of the same name, you'll watch in awe how inhabitants of the jungle attempt to stop the predator. The play takes place at 1:45 pm and admission costs from £15 to £25.
The Secret Garden (June 15-July 20, 2024)
A heartwarming story of finding friendship in unlikely surroundings will make your heart clench. A neglected protagonist discovers a mysterious garden and attempts to bring it back to life. You can watch the play from Monday to Saturday at 7:45 pm. The cost varies from £15 to £58.
Fiddler on the Roof (July 27-September 21, 2024)
Another breathtaking musical, this time based on the Sholem Aleichern Stories, inspires and gives much to think about its audience. A tale of a parent being set in his ways and his children's rebellion against it is sure to resonate with everyone. The play also takes place from Monday to Saturday at 7:45 pm. The tickets cost from £15 to £70.
History of Open Air Theatre
The theatre is actually not a new construction—it was founded back in 1932 by Robert Atkins and Sydney Carroll. Since then it has been rebuilt only once—in 1999. Regent's Park Open Air theatre inspired construction of a number of other open-air theatres around the world, namely Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre in Chester and the Maynardville Open-Air Theatre in Cape Town.
