Open Air Theatre, Regents Park
History:
Founded in 1932 by celebrated actor Robert Atkins, the Open Air Theatre in Regents Park is the only permanent outdoor venue for professional theatrical productions in Britain. Since it opened, the Open Air Theatre has been noted for its Shakespearean productions, and has welcomed names such as Vivien Leigh, Jack Hawkins and Jeremy Irons into its many shows.
In 1987, management of he Open Air Theatre fell to Ian Talbot who introduced musical theatre to the venue. This was ecstatically received and to this day, the musicals incorporated into the theatre’s annual season remain as poular as its more traditional work.
The Open Air Theatre is currently home to the New Shakespeare Company and their annual fifteen week repertory season generally consists of a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, another Shakespeare, a musical and children’s show.
Although located in the middle of Regents Park, it offers all the amenities of any other theatre in London. Food can be booked in advance and the venue boasts one of the longest bars in London.
Contact Details
Open Air Theatre
Inner Circle
Regents Park
NW1 4NR
For all ticket enquiries, call:
0871 789 1004
Map
Facilities
Theatre capacity:
1,240
Stage door location:
The Open Air Theatre has a vast backstage area behind the stage.
Theatre layout:
The seating at the Open Air Theatre is in the round and as such is divided into front and rear sections. Seats in the rear section (rows J to T) do not have arm rests and none of the end of row seats have aisle room.
Open to the elements:
Of course, all performances depend on the weather and shows are only rained off in storm conditions. If a show is rained off, customers may exchange their ticket for any other day. Refunds will only ever be given if a performance is cancelled due to circumstances other than bad weather.
