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Prepare to be enchanted at Open Air Theatre
By Amira Hashish, Evening Standard 05.06.08
Great outdoors: the Open Air setting makes this a unique experience
Picnic in the park: have a bite to eat before the show
Relax: The bar/restaurant is popular with theatre-goers
Look here too
Open Air Theatre
Regent's Park
2 June – 13 September
www.openairtheatre.org
Regent's Park has unlocked the gates of its Open Air Theatre for 2008. Director Timothy Sheader's debut season will see passion ensue in productions of Romeo and Juliet and Twelfth Night and a new version of the Lerner and Loewe's classic musical, Gigi.
For the first time, there will be a third Shakespeare production, A Midsummer Night's Dream, which will be completely re-imagined for a young audience. Director and choreographer, Dominic Leclerc will transform this Open Air Theatre favourite by creating a fast-paced 75-minute physical production using Shakespeare's original language and text. It's suitable for everyone aged six and over.
Sunday best
If you are more of a stand-up or music fan then Sunday events will be your bag. This year sees the following acts providing entertainment:
Daniel Kitson (15 June, £12)
Lucy Porter and Stephen K Amos (22 June, £16)
Jimmy Carr (29 June. £20)
The Comedy Store Players (20 July, £20)
Kathryn Williams and Neill MacColl (17 August, £25)
Seth Lakeman (24 August, £25)
José Gonzállez (31 Aug, £25-£32.50)*
What about the weather?
According to Timothy Sheader, the unpredictable British weather is a bonus: 'Weather and climate add a thrilling contribution to our work, making the complicity between performer, text and audience a truly unique event at every performance.'
Make a night of it
The theatre grounds open 90 minutes before evening performances and 30 minutes before morning and afternoon shows. So be sure to absorb the atmosphere and enjoy a pre-theatre supper or light snack. You could even take your own food and eat on the picnic lawn or choose a spot outside the theatre grounds of Regent's Park. If you splash out on premium seats (£40-£42) you get a free glass of wine and programme before the performance. All that's left to do now is book tickets.
How to book
You can book online via www.openairtheatre.org or call 0844 826 4242. Post is also an option. Write in with your request including payment and the Box Office will contact you to confirm your booking. The address is Box Office, Open Air Theatre, Inner Circle, Regent's Park, London NW1 4NR.
The details
Production: Romeo and Juliet , Twelfth Night, Gigi
Times: Mon–Sat at 8pm
Thu and Sat matinees at 2.30pm
Wed matinees at 2.30pm (18 June, 25 June, 2 July)
Production: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Times: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri at 1.15pm (8-23 July)
Tue, Wed, Fri at 2.30pm (25- 30 July)
Sat and Wed mornings at 9.45am (12,, 16,19 July)
Sat and Tue mornings at 11am (26 July, 29 July, 2 Aug)
Tickets: Mon-Fri & Sat matinees - £10 - £33 (Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, Gigi
Sat evenings - £15- £35 (Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, Gigi)
A Midsummer Night's Dream all tickets £12.00
*All Sunday comedy shows at 8pm except Kathryn Williams & Neill MacColl, Seth Lakeman and José Gonzállez at 7.30pm
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