Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
About
Make sure to visit the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre during the summer months for a unique and unforgettable theatre experience. Nestled within the picturesque Queen Mary's Gardens, this outdoor venue boasts 1,304 seats set against the enchanting backdrop of lush trees.
The Regent's Park Open Theatre has become an integral part of London's summer cultural scene, attracting Londoners and tourists alike. Immerse yourself in the magic of outdoor theatre, an experience that's truly one-of-a-kind.
2026 events at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Drew McOnie is kicking off her second season as Artistic Director with an exciting lineup of theatre productions, complemented by four open-air theatre festivals throughout the summer. Each festival features a unique program with dedicated days for family entertainment, dance, and comedy, as well as a week-long music takeover to close the season.
2026 sees the return of Live Music Week and Family Takeover Day as part of the Festival Series. The series is packed with family-friendly shows and activities. Further details will be announced this spring.
After its successful launch last year, the Theatre Dance Lab is back, offering early-career musical choreographers a residency at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. This residency provides an opportunity to develop and showcase their work-in-progress on the main stage.
When is the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre season taking place?
The 2026 season at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre opens on 2 May and runs through 19 September, making full use of those summer nights.
The season opens with the highly anticipated world premiere of Sherlock Holmes (2 May-6 June), a new mystery transporting audiences to Victorian London for a thrilling chase filled with danger. In June, Vivaldi's masterpiece, A Life in Four Seasons (11-14 June), is reimagined for the live stage with new contemporary choreography.
In celebration of theatre in all its forms, the programme features a powerful new adaptation of Shakespeare's most spellbinding comedy, A Midsummer Night's Dream (20 June-18 July). Families can look forward to the return of Anansi the Spider (15 August-6 September), which is coming back by popular demand after two sell-out runs at the Unicorn Theatre.
The 2026 season draws to a close with the highly anticipated revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical CATS (25 July-19 September), which will see the beloved story brought to the legendary outdoor theatre stage in London.
What shows are on for the 2026 season?
Since its creation in 1932, the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre puts on a wide variety of performances, including adaptations of bestselling novels, puppetry, dance, ballet and musicals, year after year.
The 2026 season introduces five new shows, including the highly anticipated world premiere of Sherlock Holmes, a new mystery by Joel Horwood, directed by Sean Holmes, starring Joshua James as Sherlock Holmes. In the play, the iconic detective embarks on a new chase across Victorian London after his first big case, pursuing the mastermind of a deadly conspiracy.
Ballet fans and dance enthusiasts are in for a treat this year with A Life in Four Seasons, Vivaldi's masterpiece reimagined as an electrifying dance piece created by Tinuke Craig (Noughts & Crosses), with a musical score by the award-winning composer DJ Walde (The Importance of Being Earnest). This pulsating show sees three friends land in a new city, excited by the prospect of new beginnings and discoveries as they push through the seasons.
Atri Banerjee (Julius Caesar, RSC) brings a brand new production of Shakespeare’s spellbinding comedy, A Midsummer Night's Dream, to the stage. Four lovers flee their kingdom amid a bitter dispute, only to find themselves drifting apart in an enchanted forest. There, mistaken identities, fairies, and potions intertwine in a realm of dreams.
July sees the long-awaited return of CATS the Musical, which will open for a eight-week run at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre on 25 July, closing on 19 September. This production is set to delight Londoners and tourists alike. Based on T. S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" and featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, including the showstopper "Macavity", the musical is set to be a hit. The show sees a tribe of London stray cats assemble under the Jellicle Moon, waiting to find out which one of them is worthy enough to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn.
Little ones can enjoy the return of Anansi the Spider, where classic folk tales are brought to life. In this tale, animals walk on two feet and speak like humans, with the cleverest of them all being the infamous spider, Anansi.
How can I book tickets?
Click on the 'Book Now' button on this page to book tickets for your favourite show at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. You will then be able to check the availability and price of your chosen seat.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre success stories
Over the last decade, productions shown at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre have won the hearts of theatregoers and received high praise from critics, winning multiple awards – including numerous Olivier Awards. Some have even embarked on a national tour and made their debut in the highly sought-after West End.
The 2026 revival of Jesus Christ Superstar went on a UK tour before embarking on tours of North America and Australia. Much to the pleasure of West End theatregoers, the musical is being revived once again in 2026, with Sam Ryder leading the cast at the Palladium Theatre.
Following its successful run in 2024, Fiddler on the Roof was extended until the end of September, with all performances sold out. The acclaimed production went on to win three Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival, and made a comeback on the London stage at the Barbican Theatre in the summer of 2025 before embarking on a national tour.
How long is each show?
The running time of each show varies, but none are more than three hours. Check the running time of the show when booking your ticket.
Where is Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre?
Regent’s Park, the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is a 10-minute walk from Baker Street Tube station on the Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee and Metropolitan lines.
What happens if it rains?
Since Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is an outdoor venue, you might be wondering what happens if it rains.
The team works tirelessly to ensure performances go ahead whenever it is safe to do so, even under wet conditions – after all, British summers can be unpredictable! Shows are never cancelled in advance; instead, decisions are made as close to the performance time as possible, with every effort made to continue the show and avoid disappointing theatregoers.
In the rare event of cancellation, ticket holders will have the opportunity to rebook for another date, as the theatre (operating as a charity) does not offer refunds. It’s worth noting that when previously experiencing heavy rain, productions powered through, with only a brief pause to dry the stage. Audiences embraced the experience in true British fashion, wearing ponchos or parkas, and even using plastic bags to keep their seats dry!
Are there any age restrictions?
Age restrictions vary, depending on the show. Information about age restrictions can be found on each show when booking. For some productions, it is up to the parents to decide the suitability of the show for their child.
What food and drink options are available?
The Regent's Park Open Air Theatre offers a variety of dining options:
- Covered dining: Choose to dine on the terrace overlooking the bar and sample an exclusive menu that changes with each show. This is one of the most popular pre-show dining options, so booking in advance is highly recommended.
- Picnic hampers: The theatre offers pre-order picnic hampers to enjoy before the show or during the interval.
- The Grill: Visit this pop-up restaurant for a variety of grilled food, salads, sides and desserts. The Grill is located in the theatre's courtyard and is open before the show.
- The Pizza Oven: Enjoy a selection of freshly cooked 12-inch pizzas before the show. The Pizza Oven is not open at the interval or post-show.
Please note: Dining options may vary depending on the show and the season. Check the theatre's website for up-to-date information on dining options for a specific performance.