Picture this: a warm London summer evening, the sky turning pink over Regent’s Park, and the sound of live theatre filling the air. That’s the magic of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, a London institution since 1932. Each summer, over 100,000 people enjoy performances under the stars. This year’s season promises unforgettable shows, but you’ll need the right info to make the most of it.
What’s on in Summer 2026
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s 2026 season features two standout productions. The Tempest is a Shakespearean classic directed by a leading UK theatre artist. Meanwhile, Into the Woods is a magical musical by Stephen Sondheim that’s perfect for families. Both shows run from June to September. Tickets for The Tempest start at £25 for lawn seats, while Into the Woods has premium seats up to £55. Don’t miss these crowd-pleasers.
How to Book Tickets
Booking for the 2026 season opens in March. You can get tickets online at the official website, call 020 7722 9301, or visit the box office. Prices start at £25 for lawn seats and go up to £55 for premium stalls. Students and under-18s get discounts with ID. Pro tip: book early-popular shows sell out fast. If you’re unsure, sign up for their email alerts to get notified as soon as tickets go on sale.
What to Bring
Summer evenings at Regent’s Park can be unpredictable. Here’s what to pack:
- Blanket for lawn seating (or rent one for £3)
- Layers of clothing-temperatures drop after sunset
- Rain poncho (not an umbrella, which blocks views)
- Picnic snacks and non-glass drinks
- Check the weather forecast before leaving
The theatre has a café serving hot food and drinks, but many people bring their own picnics. Just remember: no glass containers allowed.
Getting to Regent’s Park
The closest tube station is Regent’s Park on the Bakerloo line, just a five-minute walk away. Buses 18, 27, and 73 also stop nearby. Parking is extremely limited, so public transport is your best bet. If you’re driving, consider using the nearby NCP car park on Marylebone Road, but expect to pay £15-£20 for the evening. Arrive early to avoid traffic-shows start at 7:30 PM, and gates open at 6:00 PM for lawn seating.
Seating and Comfort
The theatre has three sections: the stalls (covered), the circle (partially covered), and the lawn (uncovered). Stalls offer the best protection from rain and are the most comfortable. Circle seats have partial cover but great views. Lawn seating is casual-bring a blanket, and arrive early for a good spot. The theatre provides cushions for rent at £3. For families with kids, the circle is ideal-it’s quieter than the lawn but still has plenty of space to move around.
Weather and Cancellations
London weather in summer is usually mild, but rain is common. The theatre has a canopy over the stalls and circle, but the lawn area is exposed. If rain starts, they’ll pause the show briefly. If it’s too heavy, they’ll cancel and reschedule the performance. Check their website or social media for updates before heading out. They also send SMS alerts if you book tickets online. Don’t worry-most shows go ahead even in light rain.
Accessibility
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is fully wheelchair accessible. They have dedicated wheelchair spaces in all sections, and staff are happy to help. Hearing loops are available for all performances. Sign language interpreters are provided for select shows-book in advance for this service. If you need assistance, contact them at [email protected] or call 020 7722 9301.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive for lawn seating?
Arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain time for lawn seating. Gates open at 6:00 PM for 7:30 PM shows, and the best spots fill up fast. If you have a reserved seat in the stalls or circle, 15 minutes is enough.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Yes! Picnics are encouraged, but no glass containers are allowed. The theatre has a café serving hot food and drinks if you prefer to buy on-site. Just remember to pack snacks in plastic or paper containers.
What happens if it rains during the show?
The theatre has a canopy over the stalls and circle, so those areas stay dry. For lawn seating, light rain usually doesn’t stop the show-they pause briefly and resume. If heavy rain or thunderstorms hit, they’ll cancel and reschedule. Check their website or social media for updates before you go.
Is there parking available?
Parking is extremely limited near the theatre. The nearest NCP car park on Marylebone Road charges £15-£20 for the evening. Public transport is the easiest option-take the Bakerloo line to Regent’s Park tube station, which is a five-minute walk away.
How do I get wheelchair access?
Wheelchair spaces are available in all sections. Contact the box office in advance to reserve a spot. Staff will help you navigate the venue, and there are accessible toilets on-site. Hearing loops and sign language interpreters are also available for select performances.