The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in London has announced that director and choreographer Drew McOnie is joining them as their new Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive.
He will join Executive Director James Pidgeon at the venue, taking over in January 2024, and starting to programme from the 2025 season onwards.
McOnie replaces Timothy Sheader, who announced in June that he is becoming Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse.
Drew McOnie has previously worked at the Open Air, having directed and choreographed On the Town, and choreographed their productions of Carousel and Jesus Christ Superstar, which is currently touring the US and UK.
He will continue to act as Artistic Director of his own production company – The McOnie Company. His current productions include a new take on the Nutcracker at The Tuff Nutt Jazz Club at the Southbank Centre; and forthcoming world premiere stage adaptation of The Artist, opening at Theatre Royal Plymouth in May 2024.
Drew McOnie said in a statement: “For me there is nowhere in London where the shared experience of live theatre is more electric than at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. It captured my imagination and stole my heart from my very first visit. I believe it’s because of the audience’s direct connection with the performers, each knowing equally that anything could happen and together they will experience something that its relationship with nature may make totally different the following day. It’s a magical setting to experience magical stories together. Long before becoming a director and choreographer I was a dancer, and it was widely known within the performing community that Regent’s Park was THE place to work. This wasn’t just because of the exceptional standard of work being created but also because of the care and support for its artists. Under the inspiring leadership of Tim Sheader, I was able to become the artist I wanted to be, and I am committed to continuing that legacy of care and creativity for artists and audiences alike. I am so excited to be joining forces with the brilliant James Pidgeon and can’t wait to begin writing the next chapter of this special venue’s story.”
Stuart Griffiths OBE, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “Following a rigorous and extensive recruitment process, we are delighted to appoint Drew McOnie as Artistic Director & Joint Chief Executive of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Drew is an outstanding and innovative artist whose work thrills and inspires a broad range of audiences. We are excited by the vision and passion he will bring to our unique and world-renowned venue, building on the legacy of Tim Sheader’s tenure. On behalf of the Trustees we are delighted to welcome Drew to the team.”
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Executive Director & Joint Chief Executive James Pidgeon said: “Drew McOnie is an exemplary and well-respected artist who will continue the Open Air Theatre’s long-standing commitment to creating exceptional, enriching and unexpected theatre at scale whilst also bringing a new artistic vision and identity to the organisation that enhances our relevance and reputation. I very much look forward to working with him to lead the organisation and our incredibly talented team through this next exciting chapter of growth and development.”
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