Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
As one of the world’s leading outdoor performance venues, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre entertains over 140,000 people each year during its Summer season. The venue is a purpose-built space for outdoor theatre, with a capacity of 1,256, making it one of the largest theatres in London.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre first opened in 1932 and has undergone several major refurbishments since. The most recent was a £3.2 million redevelopment in 2012 to coincide with the venue’s 80th Anniversary. Legally Blonde the Musical will be part of a season celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the theatre.
Location
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre can be found in the Inner Circle of Regent’s Park, which is a 10-minute walk from Baker Street. Regent’s Park itself is a famous tourist destination. As one of London’s Royal Parks, it contains several formal gardens, large green spaces, multiple cafes and eateries as well as London Zoo.
Getting there
Rail
The nearest National Rail station is London Marylebone, which is a 15-minute walk away from Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. The station is on the Chiltern Railways line, which connects London with Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham. Exit the station and walk along Melcombe Place until you can see Baker Street tube station. Turn left and walk up Baker Street, until you find the gated entrance to Regent’s Park. Within the park, follow the signposts for the Open Air Theatre.
Tube
The nearest tube station is Baker Street, which is served by the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines. Exit the station and turn right, then right again onto Baker Street. Continue along Baker Street until you reach the entrance of Regent’s Park. Enter through the gates and follow the signposts for the Open Air Theatre.
Bus
Many London bus routes stop at Baker Street, including the 18, 27, 30, 205, 453 and several Night Bus routes. Once you alight at a Baker Street stop, make your way toward Regent’s Park, then follow the signposts to the theatre.
Car
Car Parking is available around Regent’s Park, including in the Inner Circle, Chester Road and Outer Circle. Parking is free in these areas after 6:30 pm and is pay and display at all other times. In the summer and particularly on performance days, these spaces fill up very quickly, so is it important to leave plenty of time to find a parking space and get to the theatre.
Facilities
Food and Drink
There are several choices for refreshments around Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. The Covered Dining Terrace provides a set menu, The Grill is great for grabbing a burger before the show and pre-bookable picnic options are also available. The bar at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is the longest in the West End and serves a wide range of drinks and snacks. Food is served until 15 minutes before the performance and drink orders stop 5 minutes prior to the performance to allow time for everyone to find their seat. Food is not permitted in the auditorium.
Toilets
The Open Air Theatre has male and female toilets just outside of the auditorium. The toilet block includes access adapted facilities.
Cloakroom
Cloakroom facilities are not available at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Only one bag per person is allowed into the auditorium to maximum dimensions 36cm x 30cm x 50cm.