Regent's Park Open Air Theatre Announces Diverse 2026 Summer Programme
The Regent's Park Open Air Theatre has officially revealed its highly anticipated summer season for 2026, promising a rich blend of theatrical experiences in one of London's most picturesque outdoor venues. The announcement confirms a varied programme that spans classic detective thrillers, timeless Shakespearean comedy, contemporary dance, and a major musical revival.
Sherlock Holmes Kicks Off the Season
The season will commence on May 2 with Joel Horwood's new play Sherlock Holmes, running through to June 6. This production marks a straightforward theatrical adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary detective stories, steering clear of conceptual gimmicks. Directed by Sean Holmes, the stage thriller appears to function as an origin story, following a young Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson as they grapple with the aftermath of their first case before becoming entangled in a dangerous conspiracy. Joshua James will take on the iconic role of Sherlock Holmes, leading the cast in this fresh interpretation.
Dance and Shakespeare Return to the Park
Following the detective drama, artistic director Drew McOnie continues his commitment to diverse programming with A Life In Four Seasons, a short-run dance piece scheduled for June 11-14. Created by OAT associate director Tinuke Craig and choreographed by Alexzandra Sarmiento, this new work explores themes of friendship, love, and loss set against the backdrop of London, accompanied by an electrifying reinterpretation of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.
In a nod to the venue's nearly century-long history as a Shakespeare-focused theatre, McOnie's second season will feature a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream from June 20 to July 18. Directed by Atri Banerjee, details remain deliberately sparse, though the production is promised to deliver a blissful experience, perfectly timed to run over the midsummer period.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats Takes Centre Stage
The cornerstone of the 2026 season remains Drew McOnie's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats, running from July 25 to September 12. Announced last year due to its significance as the first UK revival of the iconic musical, it will occupy the prime summer slot traditionally reserved for major musical productions. This revival is expected to draw significant attention and audiences throughout its extended run.
Family-Friendly Daytime Production
Running concurrently with Cats during daytime performances from August 15 to September 6 will be Justin Audibert's Anansi the Spider. This engaging production, infused with West African mythology, returns to the OAT lawn following a successful run in 2021, offering family-friendly entertainment that complements the evening programme.
Tickets for the 2026 Regent's Park Open Air Theatre season will go on general sale at noon on February 5, with the exception of Cats which is already available for booking. The diverse lineup demonstrates the venue's commitment to offering something for every theatregoer, from classic literature adaptations to contemporary dance and blockbuster musical revivals, all within the unique atmosphere of London's beloved open-air theatre setting.
