Established in 1932, the multi-award-winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is one of the largest theatres in London (at a capacity of 1,304). Passionate about producing popular, enriching and unexpected theatre that provides a lens into the here and now, the scale and ambition of their productions together with a magical outdoor setting, makes them unique in the capital’s cultural landscape. Every year they welcome over 150,000 people to their 20-week summer season.
Drew McOnie assumed the role of Artistic Director in January 2024, taking over from Tim Sheader, and will programme the 2025 season onwards. James Pidgeon was appointed Executive Director in 2021.
Over the last fifteen years, their productions have won seven Olivier Awards, ten WhatsOnStage Awards, and four Evening Standard Awards. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre were named London Theatre of the Year in 2017 by The Stage, and received the Highly Commended Award for London Theatre of the Year in 2021. Their productions have toured the UK, and have transferred to both the West End and the United States. Their 2016 revival of Jesus Christ Superstar is currently touring North America for the second time, and commenced a UK tour in September 2023.
As a registered charity that receives no regular public subsidy, the venue relies entirely on earned income and charitable contributions. Nevertheless, they have introduced 33,000 tickets at £15 across the whole of 2024’s summer season, the BREEZE scheme enables those aged 18-25 to buy tickets for £10, and they regularly work with local charities. Each year, on average, they subsidise tickets for 6,000 school pupils.
Food and drink plays a significant role in the Open Air Theatre experience, with in-house bars and restaurants including Covered Dining (recently certified as a Sustainably Run Restaurant), The Grill and The Pizza Oven. They also have our own picnic lawn and the West End’s longest bar!
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has become one of the most independently sustainable and financially successful producing theatres in the country, and they’re proud to embark on the next stage of their vision with ever-increasing artistic ambition and entrepreneurial spirit.