Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
London's beloved outdoor theatre — world-class musicals and Shakespeare under the stars in the heart of Regent's Park
London's beloved outdoor theatre — world-class musicals and Shakespeare under the stars in the heart of Regent's Park
Since 1932, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre has been staging productions beneath the London sky. With 1,304 seats nestled among the trees of the Inner Circle, it is one of the largest auditoriums in the capital and one of only two London theatres that stayed open throughout the Second World War.
The annual season runs from May to September, featuring a mix of musicals, Shakespeare and new work. Performances begin in the early evening as daylight fades, and the setting — surrounded by mature gardens and birdsong — transforms familiar plays into something entirely different.
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre traces its origins to 1932, when producer Sydney Carroll and director Robert Atkins staged an impromptu production of Twelfth Night on a makeshift stage among the park's trees. The audience sat on deckchairs. What began as an experiment became an institution — the theatre has produced a season every summer since, interrupted only briefly during the Second World War when performances shifted to matinees due to blackout regulations.
The current auditorium, redesigned in 1975 and upgraded several times since, seats 1,304 in a fan-shaped arrangement that wraps around a thrust stage. Despite its size, the space feels intimate. Trees and hedgerows enclose the seating on all sides, and the natural surroundings become part of every production — birdsong, shifting light and the occasional passing aircraft are all absorbed into the performance.
The season typically runs from May to September, with four or five productions staged across 18 weeks. Programming blends Shakespeare with large-scale musicals and new commissions. Recent years have seen critically acclaimed revivals of Jesus Christ Superstar, Oliver!, and 101 Dalmatians, several of which transferred to the West End and Broadway. The 2026 season includes Sherlock Holmes, A Midsummer Night's Dream and a revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS.
Performances usually begin at 7pm as the daylight softens, and by the second act the auditorium is lit by stage lights against the darkening sky. Matinees are offered on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The theatre provides blankets for hire on cooler evenings, and the venue is fully equipped with covered areas should rain arrive — shows rarely cancel due to weather.
Tickets are available through the official website at openairtheatre.com and range from £15 to over £67 depending on the production and seat location. Monday performances offer the best value, with tickets from £15. It is worth booking early, as popular musicals sell out weeks in advance.
The theatre sits within Queen Mary's Gardens, one of the finest rose gardens in London. Arrive early to walk through the gardens before the show. The Boathouse Cafe on the nearby lake is open for pre-show meals, and Marylebone High Street — a five-minute walk south from York Gate — has excellent restaurants and cafes. London Zoo is a ten-minute walk north through the park.
A £2.50 booking fee applies per transaction — prices vary by production and performance date
Temperatures drop quickly once the sun sets, even in summer. Bring a jacket or blanket — the theatre also hires out fleece blankets for a small charge.
The grounds open 90 minutes before curtain. Queen Mary's Gardens are spectacular in June and July when the roses are in full bloom.
Monday performances have the lowest ticket prices, starting from £15. The atmosphere is just as good with a full house on quieter weekday evenings.
Many regulars bring a picnic to enjoy on the grass before the show. There are also food stalls and a bar on site if you prefer to buy on arrival.
Shows rarely cancel due to rain. The theatre has covered seating areas and provides ponchos. Only thunderstorms and high winds cause cancellations.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 9, 2026
