Open Air Theatre

I went there to see 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at the end of June this year, and unfortunately had rain before the play started. They delayed it for maybe 15 mins and started all the same. Fortunately me and my friends were able to grab 2 ponchos from a group who had a few spare ones. Otherwise it would have been a terrible experience... But this is fate, and the play, actors and location are really worth the experience, provided you get lucky with the weather!

Bugs kept falling on my head and I couldn't hear a thing!

SUPERB!

Summer Season 2006. already seen 'The Dream' and 'The Shrew' twice in two weeks, and it's only early June! Fantastic performances from a perfect cast in a perfect setting... magical setting of Regent's Park.

Need better seats.

I saw a preview of Twelfth Night here earlier this month and thoroughly enjoyed both the setting and the performance. I've seen technically better performances, but the magical atmosphere of the theatre made it a night to remember. I'd certainly recommend this to anybody - take a few friends and bottle of wine.

Have to disagree with the most recent review (below), regarding the quality of the acting in Midsummer Night's Dream. I enjoyed the whole evening (and the wonderful location) and thought the whole cast performed well, with a few outstanding contributions such as Russ Abbot's.

The play was acted as if they were just reciting lines.

I went for the first time this year and can't believe I'd missed this magical little bit of London until now.

There's a bar and barbeque to stock up on essentials before the performance, or you can BYOB. Hard to think of a more pleasant way to enjoy Shakespeare than an evening with friends in a beautiful part of Regent's Park, good seats near the front and bottle of Champagne. That's assuming the weather holds up, which in our case it did, but I recommend taking a shawl or warm jumper even if the forecast is good, as it can get a little chilly towards the end of the performance.

This year Russ Abbot is very funny as "Bottom" and the entire cast of Midsummer Night's Dream are excellent. Thoroughly recommend this as a perfect summer evening out.

I went during the day. We arrived at Regent's Park and as we sat outside the theatre we were surrounded by trees. Luckily we only had to wait for fifteen minutes until we were allowed into the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

The play started and we could see the Edwardian costumes. The scenery was planned and thought out very well as it's in the open and looks natural.

The only problem was that the sound was not very good and I couldn't hear too well. I think they should use speakers. Also there was a wind so it was harder to hear.

If you go to the Open Air Theatre I would recommend that you take a jacket or a cagoule as it could rain at any point. That happened to us near the end of the play but the actors carried on.

I would recommend watching A Midsummer Night's Dream to anyone.

The theatre also hosts several gigs each summer, which are well worth looking out for. In 2003 I saw Katherine Williams in concert here. On a hot summer night, it was a great place to hear her melodic, intimate music - much better than being stuck in some sweaty indoor venue.

One of those really magical evenings in London! The production of Midsummer Nights Dream played by the New Shakespeare Company was extremely wittily acted, and off set beautifully by the mature trees forming a natural backdrop to the stage. It obviously made a difference that the weather was so balmy, but I would recommend taking a wrap or jacket for later as it does get cool.

Next time I would make an effort to get to Regent's Park early to make the most of the lovely gardens, or take a picnic and sit on the banks of the lake.

But if you don't have time for a picnic, definitely remember to take a bottle of champagne with you - there's no problem taking your own - very civilised.

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