Theatremonkey.com

An Independent Inside Guide to London Theatre and Concert Venues

Home Page
Take The Site Tour
Join Our Mailing List
OR SEARCH THE SITE
By Venue Name
By Show Title
For Best Seat Info
For Seating Plans
CHECK OUT THE
Latest Special Offers
Tips, Hints & Features
Top Five Charts
GUEST SERVICES
Theatremonkey Ticketshop
Hotel plus Show Deals
View Show Video Clips
Theatre Dictionary
FAQ's
Contact Us
Links To Other Sites
CD and Gift Shop
TICKETS FOR TODAY
For more, click any title.
Updates constantly on
every performance day.
FUTURE DATE OFFERS
Or click here for more...
If you can't see offers
above, please check your browser is permitting "ActiveX" controls to run.

 

 

 

 


Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

OPEN AIR THEATRE REGENT'S PARK

 

In Repertoire:

ROMEO AND JULIET (play)
Previews from 2nd June, opens 9th June 2008. Ends 2nd August 2008.
Captioned performance 21st July 2008 at 8pm

Boy meets Girl, families can't stand eachother, a chemist offers a solution... Bill the Quill classic in an idealistic setting.

 

TWELFTH NIGHT (play)
Previews from 4th June, opens 13th June 2008. Ends 30th July 2008.
Signed performance 2nd July 2008 at 2.30pm and 8pm

Twins, yellow stockings, drunken knights and a maid called Maria. The old sheep of Avon's classic comedy for a season. Interesting point: "Twelfth Night" was the first play ever presented at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre 75 years ago.

 

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (Children's play adaptation)
Previews from 8th July, opens 12th July 2008. Ends 2nd August 2008.
Signed performance 30th July 2008 at 2.30pm

The play this theatre is made for. Bill the Quill story of fairies and lovers, actors and kings. The Midsummer night's treat, with Titania, Puck and drastic cosmetic surgery thrown in. For this season, the play has been cut down to 90 minutes so that it is suitable for children aged 6 and upwards. An unusual interpretation featuring physical comedy and movement is promised. Parents should read this advice about the production and venue.

 

THEN, for August and September:
GIGI
(musical)
Previews from 6th August, opens 14th August 2008. Ends 13th September 2008.
Signed performance 28th August 2008 at 8pm

Ah yes, the monkey remembers it well... those eyes so appealing that one look will send you crashing through the ceiling (not a risk at this venue, it notes!). Thank heavens for Lerner and Loewe as their classic Parisian celebration of ladies receives a revival. Chaim Topol is cast in the lead - a break from "Tradition" for him. The night champagne was invented for, the monkey hopes.

 

Theatremonkey Opinion:
Romeo and Juliet: Not available.

Twelfth Night: Not available.

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Not available.

Gigi: Not available.

 

Your Reviews: Add your own by clicking here.
Important: Some reviews below can contain "spoilers" - please don't read if this bothers you!

 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Performance Schedule:
The monkey advises checking performance times on your tickets and that performances are happening as scheduled, before travelling.

Romeo and Juliet:
8pm: 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25 June 2008; 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 31 July 2008; 1, 2 August 2008

2.30pm: 7, 19, 21, 25 June 2008; 3, 5, 17, 19, 31 July 2008; 2 August 2008

 

Twelfth Night:
8pm: 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 26, 27, 28, 30 June 2008; 1, 2, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30 July 2008

2.30pm: 12, 14, 18, 26, 28 June 2008; 2, 10, 12, 24, 26 July 2008

 

A Midsummer Night's Dream:
2.30pm: 25, 29, 30 July 2008

1.15pm: 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, July 2008

11am: 26, 29 July 2008; 2 August 2008

9.45am: 12, 16, 19 July 2008

 

Gigi:
From 6th August until 13th September 2008:
Monday to Saturday at 8pm
Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm and 8pm


Please note that the main auditorium doors close ten minutes after the performance begins. Latecomers are then asked to walk round to the stage door area and make themselves known to staff, who will then take them into the auditorium, if possible - that is, if / when there is a convenient break in the performance.

 

Ticket Prices:

Offers May be available - Click Here

View this information in diagram form

All productions EXCEPT "A Midsummer Night's Dream":
ALL PERFORMANCES EXCEPT Saturday Evenings:
Front Section
Rows A to I and J: £33 except:
Premium Seats row F 18 to 27 and G 19 to 28: £40
"Premium" seats include a glass of wine and free programme. Discounts are not available and alcohol cannot be served to those aged under 18. Proof may be required and the right to refuse service is reserved. No credit is given for un-used vouchers.

Row J 1 to 8 and 46 to 53: £30

Rear Section
Row K seats 9 to 49, row L seats 10 to 55, row M seats 10 to 56 and row N seats 11 to 62: £33
Rows K to P excluding those seats listed above: £28
Rows Q and R: £22
Rows S and T: £19 except
Row T seats 1 to 13 and 100 to 112: £10.

Seats on grass banks at side of theatre, £10 when all other tickets are sold out.

Saturday Evenings:
Front Section
Rows A to I and J: £35 except:
Premium Seats row F 18 to 27 and G 19 to 28: £42
"Premium" seats include a glass of wine and free programme. Discounts are not available and alcohol cannot be served to those aged under 18. Proof may be required and the right to refuse service is reserved. No credit is given for un-used vouchers.

Row J 1 to 8 and 46 to 53: £30

Rear Section
Row K seats 9 to 49, row L seats 10 to 55, row M seats 10 to 56 and row N seats 11 to 62: £35
Rows K to P excluding those seats listed above: £30
Rows Q and R: £25
Rows S and T: £21 except
Row T seats 1 to 13 and 100 to 112: £15.

Seats on grass banks at side of theatre, £15 when all other tickets are sold out.

Senior Citizens: Tickets £12.50 in advance for MIDWEEK AFTERNOON performances ONLY. Bookable only on 0844 826 4242, with no booking fee. Subject to ID and box office discretion.

Disabled visitors plus a companion pay £10 (£15 on Saturday Evenings) per seat for all productions.

Book for either two or all three productions and save 20% on £33, £28 and £22 seats ONLY. Tickets must be purchased in a single transaction. If booked with Ticketmaster, normal booking fees apply. Cannot be combined with any other offer and may not be available at some performances. Offer subject to change and box office discretion. Not available online. Maximum of SIX tickets per booker.

A family ticket is available throughout the season. One adult paying full price on the TOP THREE TICKET PRICES ONLY (excludes premium seats) may bring up to three children aged UNDER 18 for £18 each. Tickets must be purchased in a single transaction. If booked with Ticketmaster, normal booking fees apply. Cannot be combined with any other offer and may not be available at some performances. Offer subject to change and box office discretion. Not available online.

Offers and discounts cannot be combined. If booked via Ticketmaster, service charges and booking fees remain payable.

Previews: £2 off all seats.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream":
All seats £12
_________________________________

"Friends of the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre"
See: http://www.openairtheatre.org/p26.html

Join the Friends of the Open Air Theatre and support a tradition stretching back to the 1930s. In addition, you could save money on tickets at London's premier outdoor theatre. You’ll also have priority booking, invites to exclusive events, booking privileges, and help to ensure an exciting future for the Open Air Theatre.

Membership costs from £15 per year.
 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here


Buying Tickets Through the Venue:

More Ticket Buying Options

Tickets offered differ between outlets. Outlets also may offer different seats via their phone and online systems.
Theatre Box Office:

Telephone: 0844 826 4242
Operated by the theatre on behalf of the venue, but please note:
From 25th March to 31st May 2008 the theatre's own box office is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm ONLY.
From 2nd June to 13th September 2008 it is open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

At all other times, and when the box office is busy, "The Ticket Factory" agency will answer calls. When this happens you can choose either to book and pay then, or try again later to see if the actual venue box office can take your call. A recorded warning will advise if your call has been re-routed to "The Ticket Factory".

 

Online: www.openairtheatre.org Their own site provide the service for this theatre.
This amazing site is a model of how theatre webpages should be. All the detail you could want, plus auditorium photographs too select "How To Book" on the top menu, then "Seating Plan" on the new page that appears). The site also allows you to select your exact seat numbers from the plan available, and there is no booking fee for using this method.

Booking fees per ticket for telephone and online bookings:
By phone: a £1 per ticket booking fee is charged for telephone bookings with the box office. A sad sign of theatre economics that since the 2007 season, for the first time ever, the telephone booking service is not free, feels the monkey. For groups of 10 or more, a £2.50 per booking, not per ticket, service charge is made.

If collecting tickets reserved by telephone, PLEASE BRING THE CREDIT CARD YOU USED WITH YOU - the box office cannot issue your tickets without it.

Online: No fee is charged except for some Sunday performances - the system will indicate these at time of booking.


For personal callers or by post: Inner Circle, Regent's Park, London. NW1 4NP
No booking fee for personal callers.
Postal bookings by cheque should be made payable to "Open Air Theatre."
For postal bookings, a £1 per ticket booking fee is charged. Don't forget to add this to your cheque when calculating.

The theatre's own box office is open for personal and postal bookings from 25th March 2008 to 13th September 2008 ONLY.
For personal callers, it is open at the following times:
From 25th March to 31st May 2008 it is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm ONLY.
From 2nd June to 13th September 2008 it is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm and - on performance days only - Sunday Noon until 8pm.

Special Access Needs Customers:
Wheelchair users and other registered disabled theatregoers can book their seats on 0844 826 4242, or fill in the online form at the venue website, and enquire about concessionary prices that may be available to them. The wheelchair users line connects directly to the theatre box office in London when it is open - if an agency answers, ask to be put through to the venue or try at another time / fill in the online form. Specific information may also be checked with the venue, see Notes.

www.openairtheatre.org is the official theatre website.

 

More Ticket Buying Options: Using S.T.A.R. genuine ticket agencies.
Tickets offered differ between outlets. Outlets also may offer different seats via their phone and online systems. Offers May be available - Click Here

Independent S.T.A.R. ticket agencies may offer an alternative choice of seats.
 

 
 
Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Theatre Seat Opinions:
Please remember that cheaper seats often do not offer the same view / location quality as top price ones, and that ticket prices are designed to reflect this difference.

The wonderful website at www.openairtheatre.org offers photographs taken from various points in the auditorium, (select "How To Book" on the top menu, then "Seating Plan" on the new page that appears) and is well worth consulting too, feels the monkey - if only other theatres would do the same!

 

Seating Plan Diagram

Front Stalls Rear Stalls Notes
FRONT STALLS 
The theatre is a vast fan-shaped auditorium divided into front and rear blocks by a wide gangway in front of row J. The front block is of concrete steps rising from the stage, the rear block is a steeply raked concrete and wooden grandstand.

The front block is split into a central and two side blocks by aisles. The stage is a wooden floor laid in a diamond on a grassy base. The diamond shape sometimes comes to a sharp point in front of the centre seats in row A. It is low enough not to affect sightlines too greatly, though a few purists might want to avoid A 11 to 14. 

Choose the centre block row D first, then C, B and A. Then look at the rear block row L seats 25 to 40 (or K 22 to 36 if the fence and a bit less legroom is not a problem for you) before picking rows E to I and J since the rake is better.

For the 2007 season, row F 21 to 24 and G 22 to 27 are "premium" seats at a few pounds over top price. If you feel strongly about supporting this venue, buying them would be a nice gesture, thinks the monkey.

A new row of 57 seats, row J, is inserted in the aisle space in front of row K. Positioned in the aisle space between front and rear stalls blocks, against the wooden rails of the rear section, it has an excellent view and better legroom than other seating, and a reader who sat there agrees!

The side blocks offer a good, if slightly angled view, but as usual, the centre block is preferable, as all seats are the same price. Row choice is the same as the centre block. Four wheelchair spaces can be inserted into row J replacing seats 6 to 8, 9 to 11, 20 to 23, 31 to 34, 43 to 45 and 46 to 48 as required. Monkey advice is to take 20 to 23 and 31 to 34 first, as they are nice and central. See notes.

Reader Craig notes that:
"Stall seats were comfortable, all now have integral cushions. All stall seats are individual seats with wooden arm rests."

Legroom is good for all but those over 5ft 10 or so in all seats, best in row A where it is almost unlimited. The new row J will also suit the longer legged, feels the monkey.

 

 

REAR STALLS 
The rear section is a wooden walled concrete grandstand split into five blocks by gangways. A  low wooden wall runs across the front of this section but does not affect the view from any seat, though some may still want to avoid them. Do note that the very first and very last seat in the whole row (which are all located in the outermost blocks) are NOT on an aisle, there is just a wooden wall next to them. Also note that there are no armrests in this section of the auditorium.

Row K seats 9 to 49, row L seats 10 to 55, row M seats 10 to 56 and row N seats 11 to 62 are the same top price as the front section of the theatre. Some may welcome the opportunity to sit further back for the same money - and the view is decent enough - but the monkey rates the tickets only average value here. In particular, it isn't all that happy with the outermost seats in the blocks, at second price in 2007, now hitting top price. Just "fair" value now, it feels. You are further from the stage, don't get armrests and yet pay the same money. Seats behind the fence posts in particular should be avoided at this new top price. Also, be aware there is fencing around the stairwells and front of the block section too; some may wish to choose O and P centre to avoid it if they are shorter.

Choose the centre section first at the third and fourth price bands, then move outwards. The view is not disappointing from any seat, but as usual when all are priced the same, insist on the best.

Also worth avoiding are seats row O 18 to 24 and 60 to 66, P 19 to 25 and 63 to 69, Q 19 to 25 and 65 to 71 and R 21 to 27 and 68 to 74 which are behind a stairwell wall. Fortunately, the box office sell most of these horrors last!

Behind row O the seats rise steeply. Value is fair in all seats, but rows S and T do feel remote from the action (you notice it when climbing down from your perch there!) - sound is normally good, though. Depressingly, much of the back two rows are now far more expensive - promoted from fifth (bottom) price to fourth price. The only bottom price tickets now are at the far ends of row T. If choosing these, try for as close to the aisle as possible - and be aware that foliage can get in the way / shed leaves on you at the extreme ends of the row.

Small posts beside P11, 12, 33, 34, 55, 56, 77 and 78 do not affect the view much, but purists may want to ignore the seats beside them in row P, and directly behind in rows Q and R. Row T seats 14, 15, 42, 43, 70, 71, 98 and 99 nestle below the access doors for the lighting towers above and behind. This is not a problem, and the compensation is a clear view and unlimited legroom as only the aisle is in front.

For musicals, a sound desk can replace row T seats 53 to 62, extending out of the technicians hut above and behind the seating area.  Avoid seats around it - T51, 52, 63 and 64 in particular, and also S 45 to 58 if you don't like being overlooked. For 2008 it looks like it may not be used... the monkey keeps fingers crossed but still stays away from these seats where possible when booking before the production opens, just in case.

Legroom is a little less in row K, adequate in rows L to T for all but the very tallest over 5ft 10 or so, best in Row T seats 14, 15, 42, 43, 70, 71, 98 and 99.

 

Notes
Seats 1240 plus 60 on lawn

Occasional signed performances. Guide dogs welcome, water bowls provided. Radio headsets available for hearing impaired visitors - £5 returnable deposit required - and must be booked in advance. Level access from entrance or car park to auditorium. Gender segregated adapted toilets - ALMOST UNIQUE IN LONDON!!! Other theatres take note. This theatre gets it right. Full details of all special facilities are available from the house manager on 020 7935 5756.

Barbeque and other food available, as well as ice cream and confectionery. Arrive early and bring your own picnic - the grounds open 90 minutes before evening performances (30 minutes for mornings and afternoon shows), or order one from the box office...

...Food can be ordered up to ONE WEEK advance, and a voucher is issued with your tickets. Simply exchange this at the theatre bar for your meal on arrival. Two packages are available:
Evenings:
"Priority Suppers" £16.
Choose from a main course of Marinated Chicken Breast, Baked Fillet of Salmon or Vegetarian Tartlet. All are served with fresh salad. A dessert is also included, as well as either a glass of beer or wine. Choice of alcohol brand is at theatre discretion, and alcohol cannot be served to those aged under 18. Proof of age may be required and the right to refuse service is reserved. No refund is given for un-used vouchers / refused service.

Mid-week Afternoons:
"Tea and cake" £3.50.
A cup of tea and a slice of cake can be reserved in advance.

Large bar, and the monkey means huge - the whole width of the theatre, almost!

Ample toilets in separate block. 

This theatre is open to the elements. Performances are rained off only when near storm conditions are reached. If this happens go to the special box office windows that open onto the foyer area (they are on a pathway behind the shrubbery that banks up from the foyer to the box office building), and change your ticket free for another date. If you cannot, tickets remain exchangeable indefinitely for future years - you can mail them to the Box Office Manager to make the exchange, or fill in the form on their website. Do note that arrangements to do this can only be made via the actual venue if you telephone, NOT any ticket agency who picks up the telephone for them. Money is never refunded except when the performance is cancelled for reasons OTHER THAN the weather. In this case, only the face value of the tickets is refundable.

In the afternoons the box office sell the shaded (higher numbers) side first. This is a relative term and long sleeves and very strong sunblock for face and neck are essential.

Theatremonkey reminds parents especially to use very strong sunscreen on their children if attending daytime performances. Even on a very dull day sunburn is a high risk in this theatre. Better still make them wear 'legionnaire hats' covering the head and neck - for protection.

In the evening unless the daytime was 80 degrees plus, a thin pullover is needed, especially in the last rows of the rear block. A reader feels that, "It is flipping freezing in the evenings and blanket would be better advice".  They go on to say that the theatre do not hire blankets out any more because some twit threw them out when they stored them for safe keeping during the last paint job!

After wet weather the seats will be damp. You will be handed a cloth to dry them, but theatremonkey recommends taking your own paper towels and putting a waterproof on the seat before parking yourself in it.

Do not dress in best clothes for this theatre - they will probably not survive. Please, please visit the place just once though. The atmosphere here is both magic and unique.

 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Getting to this Theatre
Find this theatre on a Street Map
Nearest Underground Station Buses Car Park
Nearest Underground Station:
Baker Street - Bakerloo Line (brown), Circle Line (yellow), Hammersmith and City Line (light purple), Jubilee Line (silver gray), and Metropolitan Line (dark purple)

Plan your tube journey to this station using the button below:
 

The theatre is a long walk from this station. 

The station has multiple exits, so, on leaving the station, look around you. If you can, head for the "Baker Street (North)" exit. An "L" shaped corridor between two shops - currently "Boots" on your right / "Little Italy" restaurant on your left, brings you to onto the pavement!

If you miss that exit, follow any exit sign promising to indicate the way to the zoo - these will eventually put you where you want to be on Baker Street!

If you see a blue dome and Madam Tussauds to your left on leaving the station, then ignore them and turn to your right and walk to the street corner. Do not cross any roads, just turn right into Baker Street and meet your friend who got lucky with the other station entrance first time.

If you exit into a short street, head to your left and the busy road. Look for a blue dome and Madam Tussauds to your right on this busy road. Cross it, turn right, walk to the corner, and turn right into Baker Street. There meet your friend who got lucky with the other station entrance first time.

All together now on on the pavement outside the correct exit, face the road (keep the exit behind you) and turn to your right. You will pass the front entrance of the same "Boots the Chemist" shop that ran down the right hand side of the correct  "North" exit corridor.

Walk down Baker Street, passing the London Transport Lost Property Office and continuing to the end of the road. If you pass the Sherlock Holmes Hotel, wrong way.

At the end of Baker Street, cross Allsop Place and walk straight on into the park. 

Cross the road ahead of you, Regents Park Outer Circle, and enter the main park area by the entry to your right.

Inside the park follow the path to the right and cross the nearby footbridge over the water - the first signpost to the theatre is at the start of this bridge, stuck to the wall of it on your right.  Once across the footbridge, turn left and follow the path as it curves and eventually passes a bandstand. Keep going straight on until you reach a road, Regents Park Inner Circle. Cross this road.

Turn to your right and follow the path as it curves to the nearest park entrance - beside a cafe. Take it and follow the path ahead through the garden to the theatre.

The above is complicated, but the route is fairly well signposted. The Open Air Theatre website has a photographic version of this route on their "How To Find Us" page.

Also, please be aware that after late night events, you may be asked to leave the park via the Ring Road rather than through the gardens. If so, turn right on leaving the "Inner Circle" ring road junction with the Outer Circle road, and follow the road back to Baker Street as usual.

 

Buses:
13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 82, 113, 139, 159 to Allsop Place / Baker Street, then follow the directions above.

 

Car Park:
None nearby. Parking on the Regents Park Inner Circle. Some Disabled parking in the theatre workers private car park.

Coaches need a coach permit to enter the park. Call the Royal Parks Agency on 020 7486 7905 at least one week in advance.

 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

.

 

 

Site © Theatremonkey.com 2000 to 2008. All rights reserved. Information on this site may not be reproduced in any form, by any distribution media, in whole or in part, without permission. This means that you MUST NOT copy graphics or text for posting on another website. Opinions expressed are those of the site owner and / or contributors, and are not those of the site host or service providers. Tickets sold from links on this site are the responsibility of the supplying company, not theatremonkey.com. Comments about this page are welcome  Contact Us. No responsibility is taken for accuracy of information, No liability can be taken for loss relating to individual use of data contained on this site. Use of this site constitutes agreement with the above. E&OE. Last Update: 10 May 2008 17:49