Open Air Theatre Regent's Park

Established in 1932, the Open Air Theatre is the only fully professional, permanent outdoor theater in Britain. Its steeply raked auditorium is one of the largest in London with 1,240 seats, yet many say it feels much more intimate than any other theater.

Famous for its Shakespeare performances, A Midsummer Night's Dream remains a signature piece in the repertoire, but each year they also usually produce a musical and a children's play like Babe, the Sheep-Pig. See photos of A Midsummer Night's Dream at Open Air Theatre Regent's Park.

Annual event in London from May or June to September.

24 May to 12 September 2010

2010 Performances

• The Crucible (24 May - 19 June)
• The Comedy of Errors (24 June - 31 July 2010)
• Macbeth - re-imagined for everyone aged 6 and over. (3 - 31 July 2010)
• Into the Woods (5 August - 11 September 2010)

Plus comedy shows and more. See the full What's On listing on the official website.

Inner Circle
Regent's Park
London
NW1 4NR

Baker Street
You can walk from other stations around the edge of the park. (I use Warren Street and walk there in under half an hour.)

See map of the route from the tube station to the theater.

Use Journey Planner to plan your route by public transport.

£10 - £50 Online booking
Telephone booking: 0844 826 4242 (9am - 9pm Mon to Sun).

See full How to Book details on the official website.

2.30pm Matinees
8pm evening performance

Note: times vary for 're-imagined' children shows.

If you prefer to bring your own food there is a picnic lawn, with table and benches, before entering the auditorium. There is also plenty of food on sale including a barbecue and homemade daily specials. The cakes are always popular.

There is a fully licensed bar so I do recommend a glass of Pimms on a summer's evening. They also serve hot drinks and I enjoyed the novelty of having a cup of tea at the theater.

Please note, you are welcome to take drinks into the auditorium but they ask that they you don't eat during the performances.

• Open air theater means just that. There is no roof and no cover so bring a waterproof jacket with a hood. London weather can be changeable so be prepared. Performances are only canceled if the weather is a danger to the actors. See the weather policy.
• Bring a plastic bag to sit on in case it has been raining before the performance. The seat pads do repel water but will soak up some rain if it's been a heavy shower.
• For evening performances, bring a blanket or sweater to put over your legs as you can get cold sitting still for so long.
• If you get caught out and the weather is a problem, they do sell rugs, rain macs, and caps.
• All performances are under three hours long and all have an interval where you can dash to the toilets or get a fresh drink.

Last updated: August 2009