Artistic Director Drew McOnie has announced a bold and diverse 2026 season for Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, featuring world premieres, reimagined classics, and a landmark musical production. The season is notable for its accessibility, with over 46,000 tickets priced at £25 or under, and a proactive "climate change adaptation" plan that moves matinee start times to 12:30pm to avoid peak summer heat.
A Summer of Mystery and Magic
The season opens on May 2 with the world premiere of Sherlock Holmes, a new mystery by Joel Horwood. Directed by Sean Holmes and starring Joshua James (Cyrano, Black Mirror) as the titular detective, the production follows a young Holmes through a deadly conspiracy in 1890s London.
Following the mystery, the theatre presents A Life in Four Seasons (June 11–14). This electric new contemporary dance work reimagines Vivaldi’s masterpiece through the lens of creator Tinuke Craig and choreographer Alexzandra Sarmiento, set to a recorded score by DJ Walde.
Midsummer tradition returns with William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (June 20–July 18). Directed by Atri Banerjee, this production will be underscored by folk-infused melodies from composer Maimuna Memon, perfectly suited for the park’s magical woodland setting.
The Main Event: CATS
The season’s centerpiece is a brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS (July 25–September 12). Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, this reimagining will see the Jellicle cats take over the outdoor stage before embarking on a major UK tour.
Family and Community
For younger audiences, the Unicorn Theatre co-production of Anansi the Spider arrives in August, bringing West African and Caribbean folk tales to the Theatre Lawn. The season also sees the return of Live Music Week, Family Takeover Day, and vital artist development programmes like Theatre Dance Lab and the Treehouse Project.
Key Dates:
Sherlock Holmes: 2 May – 6 June
A Life in Four Seasons: 11 June – 14 June
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: 20 June – 18 July
CATS: 25 July – 12 September
Anansi the Spider: 15 August – 6 September
Public booking opens at 12 noon on Thursday 5 February 2026.
