Summer is the perfect time for a performance at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
London is (usually) rife with places to see terrific thesps tearing up the stage, but few are as charming as this one. Tucked away in a corner of Regent’s Park is an amphitheatre for the ages, which plays host to dramatic revelry throughout the summer. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is a smashing spot for a summer evening, and happily, they’re making a much-needed comeback in 2021.
See also: London theatres are permitted to reopen from August 1.
The Open Air Theatre has been delighting audiences since 1932, making it a revered summer fixture at one of the capital’s best-loved parks. Over 140,000 flock to the park to watch performances each year, braving the best and worst of the British weather for a taste of drama. This had looked pretty unlikely in 2020, with the coronavirus pandemic forcing the shutdown of the entire UK theatre scene – but as Regent’s Park Theatre is outdoors, the risk of virus transmission is hugely reduced, which allowed them to return for a curtailed summer season. Now, as the UK has entered stage three of the “roadmap”, this is once again permitted for 2021.
To mark the return of London’s beloved theatre scene, Regent’s Park have a eye-watering schedule lined up for attendees. Beginning on June 17, audiences will be eased in with a classic, that obviously never goes out of style, in the form of a Kimberly Sykes directed rendition of Romeo & Juliet. Taking on the timeless Shakespeare play, viewers will be treated to familiar tale of two young lovers that are torn apart by the society they live in. It will feature Isabel Adomakoh Young (Juliet) and Joel MacCormack (Romeo) in the lead roles. Romeo & Juliet runs from June 17 – July 24, and you can purchase tickets here.
On top of Romeo & Juliet, you’ll be able to catch a full schedule of performances over the summer in the warm outdoor breeze. You could see the tale of an infamous trickster in Anansi The Spider (July 7 – July 24) classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Carousel (July 31 – September 25), and family fun with Dragons and Mythical Beasts (August 13 – September 5). Pandemic permitting, they’ll stage these outdoor productions in clear defiance of the weather gods.
Regent’s Park Open Air theatre have committed to taking the necessary precautions when it comes to safety. Capacity in the auditorium has been reduced by 50%, face coverings are mandatory for those aged over 11, social-distancing by 2-metres will be enforced, and you may only book in groups of up to six. You can read the full list of guidelines at the theatre’s 2021 information hub.
The Open Air Theatre usually mixes in a little bit of comedy and cinema with their outdoor productions, so keep your eyes peeled for more updates on those throughout the year. Yes, you may have to dodge the raindrops on a visit to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, there’s no getting around that. But when al fresco theatre of this quality is on offer, you just have to treat yourself.
Location: Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NU. Nearest stations are Regent’s Park and Baker Street. See it on Google Maps.
Opening hours: performances are usually 7:30pm, though matinees run occasionally at 3pm.
Price: tickets are normally priced in four bands, running from £25 up to £55. Find tickets to all shows here.
More information: visit their website.
Featured image: @londonproperty
Four more fabulous al fresco spots:
💙 Selfridge’s Beautiful Roof Terrace
😍 The Prettiest Little Cafe In Little Venice
⛴ This Beautiful Floating Bookshop
😮 Canary Wharf’s Amazing Covered Roof Garden
Also published on Medium.