Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

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.

New for 2025 at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Drew McOnie’s debut season as Artistic Director brings an exciting lineup of theatre productions, complemented by four Open Air Theatre Festivals throughout the summer. Each festival features a unique programme, with dedicated days for family entertainment, dance, comedy, and a week-long music takeover to close the season.

New for 2025, The Theatre Dance Lab will provide early-career musical choreographers with a residency at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, offering them the opportunity to develop and showcase their work-in-progress on the main stage. More details will be revealed as spring approaches – stay tuned!

This year, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre also introduces a Family Takeover Day as part of the Festival Series, packed with family-friendly shows and activities on 25 May. Here’s what’s in store:

• Bach to Baby Family Concert: Flute Fantasia – A critically acclaimed concert series designed for babies and toddlers, bringing the magic of live music to little ears.
  
• Comedy Club 4 Kids – Stand-up comedy minus the rude bits! A great chance to enjoy big laughs with the whole family.
• Fly-Kid – The daytime party that gets both parents and kids dancing! Expect chart-toppers from Beyoncé to Bruno Mars, Madonna and more, alongside face painting, street dance lessons, games and plenty of surprises.
• Fold Your City – Dive into Japanese culture by crafting your own origami creations and joining in to build a large origami city. A wonderfully creative hands-on activity.
• Play Build Play – Discover the joy of play with designers, makers and educators. Perfect for under-fives to explore, build and imagine.
• Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year: Live! – Following a sell-out show last year, Allie Esiri and friends return for another unmissable evening. Enjoy Shakespeare’s finest scenes, brought to life by award-winning stage and screen actors.

When is the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre season taking place?

The 2025 season at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre runs from 10 May to 20 September, opening with the highly anticipated UK premiere of the Broadway musical Shucked, playing for a strictly limited five-week run (10 May to 14 June).

Later in the summer, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Dream Ballets: A Triple Bill (19 to 22 June) takes the stage, followed by the powerful adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s bestselling novel Noughts and Crosses (28 June to 26 July).

Continuing the celebration of theatre in all its forms, the programme also includes a new production of Lerner and Loewe’s musical classic, Brigadoon (2 August to 20 September), as well as children's favourite Roald Dahl's The Enormous Crocodile (15 August to 7 September).

What shows are on for the 2025 season?

The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre 2025 programme includes a variety of performances, such as adaptations of bestselling novels, puppetry, dance ballet and musicals.

The 2025 season introduces five new shows, including the highly anticipated London debut of Broadway sensation Shucked. Boasting a star-studded cast – Ben Joyce (Back to the Future, Jersey Boys), Monique Ashe-Palmer (SIX The Musical, Standing at the Sky Edge), Sophie McShera (Jerusalem, Annie), and Georgina Onuorah (Hamilton, Oklahoma!) – this witty and heartfelt musical transports audiences to a small town where corn is as precious as gold. When farm girl Maizy ventures into the big city to save her community’s failing crops, the unexpected unfolds.

Ballet fans and dance afficionados are in for a treat this year with Rodgers and Hammerstein's Dream Ballets: A Triple Bill, a show orchestrated by three of today’s most applauded theatre choreographers: Julie Cheng (Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club), Shelley Maxwell (Get Up Stand Up!) and Kate Prince (ZooNation). Together, they bring a new spin on Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved musicals with ballet versions of Allegro, Oklahoma and Carousel, all accompanied by a 26-piece orchestra.

Dominic Cooke brings Noughts and Crosses to the stage, a powerful adaptation of one of the 21st century’s most acclaimed novels – a bittersweet love story reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet. Set in an alternate dystopian London, Sephy and Callum fall in love despite their deep divisions. But can their love overcome the divide that separates the Black ruling elite and the white underclass?

Escape to the Scottish Highlands with Brigadoon, the classic musical by Lerner and Loewe, making its return to the London stage after 35 years. In this fresh adaptation, two WWII pilots crash and search for a way home, where their sisters are getting ready for a wedding. The cast features Danielle Fiamanya (Frozen, & Juliet) as Fiona and Louis Gaunt (Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz) as Tommy.

For family favourites, little ones can enjoy the magic of another Roald Dahl adaptation with The Enormous Crocodile, where puppetry brings animals of all sizes and colours to life.

2024 Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre success story

After a successful run last year, Fiddler on the Roof extended its season until the end of September, completely selling out. Now, the acclaimed production is making an anticipated comeback to the London stage at the Barbican Theatre (24 May to 19 July).

The story follows Tevye, a Jewish milkman, and his five daughters as he faces the challenge of choosing between his love for his family and his deeply rooted beliefs. Widely regarded as one of the greatest musicals of all time, Fiddler on the Roof celebrates community and resilience, with iconic songs like “Tradition” and “If I Were a Rich Man”.

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?

Located within 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 in 2024, Fiddler on the Roof powered through heavy rain in September, 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!