Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Regents Park

Overview

Times

10 May to 20 September, individual show times vary

Duration

Varies but never more than three hours

Age

Age restrictions vary, depending on the show. Information about age restrictions can be found on each show when booking.

Accessibility

Please contact venue

Location

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Address
Regents Park
London
NW1 4NU
Telephone:
0844 8264242
Public transport:
Tube: The theatre is a 10-minute walk from Baker Street Tube station on the Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee and Metropolitan lines.

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 1,300 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.

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!

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”.

Get your tickets now for the eight-week run of Fiddler on the Roof at the Barbican.

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.

How can I book tickets?

Tickets for the 2025 season at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre are not yet on sale. Check back in mid-February to book your tickets with Visit London. Ticket prices can be seen when viewing the seating map and selecting your seat.

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!

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.