Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in North London has announced its programme for Summer 2023.
Kicking off their 2023 Season will be a new production of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s musical Once On This Island, playing from 10 May to 10 June 2023.
With book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, Once On This Island is based on the novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy. Directed by Ola Ince, the story of love, grief, faith and hope tells of peasant girl Ti Moune, a boy called Daniel, and a union that prejudice forbids. Against the heat of the Caribbean sun and destruction of tropical storms, can Ti Moune settle the wager of the Gods, and prove that love is more powerful than death?
Next up is Carl Grose’s Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written, which runs from 17 June to 22 July directed by Melly Still. Told with epic storytelling, stirring songs, and avoiding green tights!, the show promises to be a thrilling new take on the classic tale. Carl Grose’s other work includes Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs), Grand Guignol and the West End musical The Grinning Man.
In the peak Summer period, Timothy Sheader directs the musical La Cage aux Folles from 29 July to 16 September 2023. The show has a book by Harvey Fierstein, and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, based on the play by Jean Poiret.
La Cage Aux Folles includes the classic songs ‘I Am What I Am’ and ‘The Best of Times’, and centres on Georges, Albin and their son Jean-Michel, as they re-discover the true meaning of family, and of putting yourself last so that the ones you love can come first.
Also a number of shows for younger audiences will run next Summer including a brand new adaptation of Booker Prize winner Ben Okri’s new fairytale Every Leaf A Hallelujah, which will play from 22 May to 10 June 2023 adapted by Chinonyerem Odimba. For children aged 4+ and their families, the show goes into an enchanted world of extraordinary endangered trees, and is presented on the theatre lawn during the day.
The Tempest re-imagined will be for everyone aged six and over, from 30 June to 22 July, revised and directed by Jennifer Tang in a co-production with the Unicorn Theatre; and Nicoll Entertainment’s Dinosaur World Live will hit the Open Air Theatre from 11 August to 3 September, written and directed by Derek Bond.
Artistic Director Timothy Sheader said in a press statement that: “Our 2022 season was big and bold; we were thrilled with how all three shows brought very different audiences to the Park. The 2023 season increases our commitment to commissioning and producing new work alongside our reimagined revivals and we are delighted to welcome Carl Grose and Chinonyerem Odimba to our stages. After the completion of a major capital project this winter the auditorium will be increased by a further 53 seats, all of which will be sold in the lower price bands. I am particularly excited that we can offer productions for children and families throughout the entirety of the season, engaging younger audiences with the magic of live performance. We look forward to you joining us next summer.”
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