A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Another delicious dream

The second major production of the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's 2026 season is a new production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

It runs until 18 July 2026.

This most popular of Shakespeare's comedies was there at the theatres 1933 opening season, with productions returning to its stage regularly since then.

For me, it was my fourth Dream to date, and I was confident this production was going to be an occasion.

And A Midsummer Night's Dream of 2026 does not disappoint, with a modern take on a play first performed over 430 years ago.

A play of interplay

Being the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, one realises this Dream is not going to adhere to the obvious.

And yet it still comes as a slight surprise, on entering the auditorium.

For this production, directed by Atri Banerjee, does not take full advantage of the trees and shrubs surrounding the stage to create an 'authentic' setting for the play.

Instead, we are in a 'rehearsal room' for what is one of the final run throughs of the play.

Stripping this Dream of a genuine USP, setting-wise, does allow us to focus with intent on the characters.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is a play of genuine interplay, offering so many wonderful theatrical vignettes.

There are those between Titania/Hippolyta (a feisty Jenny Rainsford) and Oberon/Theseus (Oliver Huband) and then by Oberon and Puck (a warm and truly impish Georgia Bruce).

And The Mechanicals, are a warm-hearted group of friends with Bottom the Weaver inevitably dominant.

In this respect casting Nadeem Islam who is deaf, in this role is inspired casting.

Although his actual deafness is forgotten as quickly as it is appreciated (except where it is used to comedic effect), his use of sign language adds real physical expression to the role and enhances the humour inherent in it.

This is certainly the case when, as an 'ass', Titania becomes besotted with him.

Of the four the young lovers, Mary Malone as Helena is particularly good.

She adds great humour and genuine pathos to a role that is not always obvious.

And finally having Titania's fairies as musicians is inspired.

They add subtle musical atmosphere throughout and also enables this Dream to come with a fine score by Maimuna Memon.

The Open Air Theatre's 2026 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream can stand proud among the best of the other productions seen here these last 93 years.

https://openairtheatre.com/production/a-midsummer-nights-dream

Upcoming productions at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

CATS

25 July to 12 September 2026

A new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS based on T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats.

From Euston station to Victoria Grove, the strays and rebels of London gather under the Jellicle moon in the hope they'll be the chosen one.

Following its Open Air Theatre run, the production will undertake a multi-city UK tour through to July 2027.

https://uktour.catsthemusical.com/

Anansi the Spider

15 August to 6 September 2026

Following sold-out runs at the Unicorn Theatre in 2023 and 2025, these classic West African and Caribbean folk tales about the mischievous spider who triumphs over larger foes comes to the Open Air Theatre.

https://openairtheatre.com/production/anansi

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, which is located on the Inner Circle of Regent's Park, was founded in 1932 and has been one of London's unique theatrical attractions ever since.

The theatre itself is surrounded by woodland, which is invariably used to great effect as a stage backdrop.

Originally known for its Shakespearean productions, which remains a key part of its repertoire, the theatre now features a wide spectre of theatrical genres.

One the UK's largest permanent professional outdoor theatres, it stages a late spring and summer programme of drama, comedy and musicals along with plays simplified for children.

The theatre gates open 90 minutes before matinee and evening performances to enable theatregoers to make the most of the setting by arriving early to picnic on the lawn before the performance.

The theatre itself also offers an excellent selection of dining options with The Grill, a summer café and bar.

https://openairtheatre.com

More information :

https://openairtheatre.com