What’s On At Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre This Summer?
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2 hours ago
The C&TH guide to London’s greatest open-air theatre
From festivals to restaurants, cinemas to theatres, each and every summer, London well and truly goes al fresco. And why not? Even if we are a nation renowned for its ever-present rain clouds (it has rained everyday of 2026 so far, fyi), we’ve never let it stop us from getting outside into the fresh air.
One of our favourite annual fixtures in London is Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, which presents a stellar slate of productions every year, often bagging prestigious Olivier Awards for their efforts. In 2025, a whopping 177,000 people visited the theatre to see its productions. And with the 2026 season officially revealed, whether you’re coming from near or far, we’ve gathered the intel on how best to enjoy this open air affair.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre: The C&TH Guide
It may only open in the summer months, but Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is actually one of London’s oldest and largest theatres, dating back to 1932 and boasting 1,304 seats. Hidden in Queen Mary’s Gardens in one of London’s prettiest manicured parks, Regent’s Park, what began as a stage for Shakespeare productions has grown into a stellar modern theatre championing new writing and playful productions alongside theatre classics.
Countless stage and screen stars have treaded the Open Air Theatre’s stage, from Jeremy Irons and Michael Gambon to Richard E Grant, Ralph Fiennes, Benedict Cumberbatch and Sheridan Smith.
The current artist director is Drew McOnie, who stepped into the role in 2024. He’s supported by executive director James Pidgeon and a board. Dame Judi Dench is the theatre’s Patron, having first performed there in 1976, directed a musical there in 1991 and served on the board between 1993 and 2015.
What’s On In 2026?
McOnie’s second season at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre showcases four main shows: the world premiere of Joel Horwood’s new mystery, Sherlock Holmes; A Life in Four Seasons, a contemporary dance reimagination of Vivaldi’s masterpiece; a new production of Shakespeare beloved comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream; a new production of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s CATS musical; and for families, Anansi the Spider by Justin Audibert.
(Feast Creative)
CATS
The headline show this season is a new production of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s global sensation CATS, which sees the strays of London from Euston to Victoria gather under the Jellicle moon in Regent’s Park. Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, the musical will leap onto the open air stage from 25 July to 12 September 2026.
(Feast Creative)
Sherlock Holmes
Another show to know in 2026 is Sherlock Holmes, a brand new play penned by Joel Horwood premiering at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre this summer. And where better, with the detective’s canonical home just a stone’s throw away on Baker Street? Playing from 2 May to 6 June 2026, Joshua James will star in the title role and, directed by Sean Holmes (no relation), he has a new mystery to crack involving a mysterious jewel.
(Feast Creative)
A Life In Four Seasons
One for the dance fans: from 11–14 June 2026, Tinuke Craig’s electric reimagination of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons lands on the Open Air stage with choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento and a recorded musical score by award-winning composer DJ Walde.
(Feast Creative)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
It wouldn’t be Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre without Shakespeare on the bill, and in 2026 it’s a classic summer comedy: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Directed by Atri Banerjee, expect to enjoy the Bard’s most spellbinding comedy in its most fitting venue, the magical outdoors, from 20 June to 18 July.
Anansi The Spider
And this year’s family show spins a tale about a mischievous spider from classic West African and Caribbean folk stories. Penned by Justin Audibert and directed by Robin Belfield, Anansi The Spider follows two sell-out runs at the Unicorn Theatre in 2023 and 2025.
TAKA Marylebone
Food & Drink
With its garden location and summer season, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is synonymous with picnicking; enjoy your own in the park before the show, or pre-order a hamper or sharing board to enjoy at one of the benches in the grounds. Here you can also order drinks from the West End’s longest bar (think Pimm’s, prosecco and all the summer tipples) plus fresh 12-inch pizzas from The Pizza Oven to scoff before performances (but be quick: you can’t take it in with you). There’s also The Grill for burgers and Covered Dining which includes a starter, main and dessert before the show, plus reserved seating and a hot drink in the interval.
Outside of the theatre, you’re a stone’s throw away from bustling Baker Street, leafy Marylebone and historic Fitzrovia, where plenty of pre-theatre dining options await. Fans of Japanese cuisine should pay a visit to Taka, which is based around shun philosophy, which dictates food should only be eaten when it’s at its best at the height of the season. Or you’ll find NYC-style pizza at Alley Cats, which is certainly worth queuing for. Deeper into Marylebone, find Mediterranean Delamina with its veg-focussed dishes and linger-worthy pub grub at The Coach Makers Arms.
The Landmark London
Where To Stay
Speaking of Marylebone, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is close to the enclave’s very best address, The Landmark London, with its eight-storey tall, palm tree-filled glass atrium and gleaming marble halls. Dine in the dazzling Winter Garden to begin your evening in fittingly theatrical style.
Or closer to Warren Street, check-in to Meliá White House which has transformed the Art Deco 1930s Grade II listed building into a stylish stay just a 12-minute walk from the Open Air Theatre.
What To Wear
This isn’t a formal affair, but of course we recommend dressing up in your best florals for a garden party feeling. If you are watching a daytime show, make sure you pack a hat, sunglasses and suncream for an afternoon in the heat. If you are coming in the evening, pack a jacket, shawl or cardigan as the shows end late in the evening when the temperature has well and truly plummeted. And don’t forget your picnic blanket for pre-show picnicking.
With the entire auditorium uncovered, the fickle British weather being what it is, you might also want to consider bringing a raincoat or rainhat if the forecast isn’t its most favourable; you can bring an umbrella too, but note that you cannot put it up in the auditorium.
If the weather looks rough out there, stay optimistic: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre won’t cancel a performance before it is due to start as summer showers often improve at the last minute – meaning you should come along anyway to find out.
If the performance is cancelled (which is rare) or abandoned halfway through due to adverse weather, then you will be entitled to a new ticket for a different performance. Performances will also be cancelled in the event of temperatures exceeding 40°C.
How To Get There
The very best way to get to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is via public transport. The theatre is tucked away in Queen Mary’s Garden in the Inner Circle of Regent’s Park, just a 10 minute walk from Baker Street station (served by Jubilee, Bakerloo, Circle and Metropolitan lines). Regent’s Park station (Bakerloo) is also nearby, as is Warren Street (Victoria) and Marylebone and Euston stations for national rail.
And at the end of the show, make sure you follow the signs and crowds to the pedestrian gates near Baker Street rather than wandering off in Regent’s Park as most of the park’s gates close at dusk.
