Drew McOnie Ushers In A New Era at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

There’s a distinct buzz in the air as Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre unveils its highly anticipated 2025 season—the first under the artistic directorship of Drew McOnie. For theatregoers, it’s a real treat: not only will we see established classics and vibrant reimaginings, but we’ll also be introduced to fresh works that promise a bold, new direction for one of London’s most treasured outdoor venues. From musical comedies to dream ballets, from family shows to world-renowned stories, this season looks ready to capture that special alchemy that happens when a well-crafted production meets the open sky.

A Musical Comedy Premiere: SHUCKED

Kicking off on 10 May, the season opens with the UK premiere of SHUCKED, a musical comedy that arrives on British shores having already garnered fans across the pond. Described as a whimsical tale of a corn-obsessed town struggling to keep its crops alive, it isn’t your standard golden-age revival or jukebox show. Instead, SHUCKED plays with genre conventions, offering a playful take on rural life tinged with snappy humour and a hearty dose of toe-tapping tunes.

Leading its all-star cast and creative team are some exciting names (set to be revealed in more detail closer to opening night). Yet even without the nitty-gritty on who’s playing who, the concept alone is enough to spark curiosity. Early previews overseas have highlighted SHUCKED’s witty script and loveable characters—qualities likely to shine all the more in Regent’s Park’s open-air setting, where each comedic note can feel spontaneous and in tune with the fresh spring air. Tickets for this portion of the season run from 10 May to 14 June 2025, giving audiences a solid block of time to soak up the fun.

The arrival of SHUCKED under McOnie’s watch signals his intent to experiment with form, balancing lighter fare against more serious works later in the season. In interviews, McOnie has emphasised his desire to surprise audiences and awaken new theatrical appetites. If a corny pun or two sneaks in along the way, that’s all part of the deal.

Rodgers And Hammerstein’s DREAM BALLETS

Following hot on SHUCKED’s heels, the theatre presents RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S DREAM BALLETS: A TRIPLE BILL from 19 to 22 June 2025. These “dream ballets” were originally conceived to add a psychological depth to musicals like ALLEGRO, OKLAHOMA!, and CAROUSEL, and here they’re getting a contemporary twist, led by new arrangements courtesy of Simon Hale and live accompaniment by Sinfonia Smith Square.

Though dream ballets are a longstanding convention in musical theatre, they’re rarely staged consecutively in a single showcase. By grouping them together, McOnie and his creative collaborators invite audiences to see Rodgers and Hammerstein’s work from a fresh perspective. With lighting by Joshie Harriette, sound by Nick Lidster, and costumes by Yann Seabra, the Triple Bill also promises an immersive visual experience.

Critics have often praised McOnie’s choreographic flair for its narrative clarity—his dance sequences don’t just look stunning; they also further the story. In this triple bill, we’ll see that distinct style unleashed on three iconic pieces of mid-century musical theatre, reimagined for the open air. If you’re fascinated by how dance interprets deeper emotions, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Dream Ballets could be a highlight of your summer.

Malorie Blackman’s NOUGHTS AND CROSSES

From 28 June to 26 July 2025, the stage adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s novel NOUGHTS AND CROSSES takes centre stage. Adapted by Dominic Cooke and directed by Tinuke Craig, this powerful reworking of Romeo and Juliet delves into a deeply divided society, exploring themes of race, identity, and forbidden love. Blackman’s story has been captivating readers since it was first published in 2001, and this stage version has already built a strong reputation for emotional depth and poignant commentary.

The creative team includes fight direction by RC Annie, an associate directorship from Phillippe Cato, voice coaching by Hazel Holder, and movement and intimacy direction by Ingrid Mackinnon. With sound design by Max Pappenheim, lighting by Joshua Pharo, set and costume by Colin Richmond, and casting by Jacob Sparrow, it’s a robust collaboration of theatre professionals. Adding to the atmosphere is original music by DJ Walde, which has been noted in previous runs for its ability to punctuate tense scenes with pulsing energy.

NOUGHTS AND CROSSES stands out in the 2025 programme for its topical resonance. While the story is fictional and dystopian, it speaks to real-world inequalities and the barriers that young people face. Staged outdoors, that dual sense of immersion and exposure could magnify the show’s emotional impact, offering a stark reminder that the boundaries dividing us are often more fragile than we think.

BRIGADOON Returns In A Fresh Adaptation

Romantic meets mystical from 2 August to 20 September 2025 with a new version of BRIGADOON, helmed by McOnie as director and choreographer. The original Lerner and Loewe classic has enchanted audiences for decades with its misty Scottish setting and timeless ballads. This particular adaptation is penned by Rona Munro, celebrated for her skill in revitalising classic stories with smart, contemporary sensibilities.

Early glimpses at the creative approach suggest we’ll see a dance-heavy production, highlighting McOnie’s flair for movement to capture Brigadoon’s magical aura. The combination of earthy Highland aesthetics and open-air theatre is a match made in stage heaven—imagine swirling kilts under twinkling stars. Casting details for some of the lead roles have been revealed, though more specifics will follow. All signs point to a production that reaffirms BRIGADOON’s standing as one of musical theatre’s most whimsical love stories.

THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE

If you’re looking for a show that’ll captivate younger audiences (or simply indulge your own inner child), THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE is back by popular demand from 15 August to 7 September 2025. Adapted from Roald Dahl’s book, the production is directed by Emily Lim with co-direction and puppetry design by Toby Olié. It proved a hit in 2024, delighting families with its mischievous storyline and inventive puppets—so it’s no surprise to see it return.

There’s something uniquely charming about experiencing children’s theatre in an outdoor setting: the laughter seems to carry further, and each breeze or birdsong can become part of the show’s playful environment. For many kids, THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE might be their first taste of live theatre. If so, seeing it in Regent’s Park could set the bar high for any future stage adventures.

Open Air Theatre Festivals And The Theatre Dance Lab

Beyond the main shows, the theatre also plans four Open Air Theatre Festivals, featuring days dedicated to family fun, dance, comedy, and a week-long music takeover. These festivals widen Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s appeal, making sure there’s truly something for everyone across the season—whether you prefer a sun-soaked afternoon of dance performances or a late-summer night of stand-up under the stars.

In a nod to its reputation for nurturing talent, the theatre is also launching The Theatre Dance Lab, a new artist development programme that offers early-career musical theatre choreographers a paid residency. Culminating in a showcase performance, this initiative aims to uncover fresh voices in choreography, supporting them with the guidance and resources to experiment. Such programmes can be game-changers, providing up-and-coming creatives the chance to learn from established industry professionals, potentially leading to more inclusive and varied representation in the years ahead.

Exciting Transfers Beyond Regent’s Park

While the 2025 summer line-up at Regent’s Park looks impressive on its own, there’s more news on the horizon. The Open Air Theatre’s acclaimed production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is set to transfer to the Barbican Centre for an eight-week run from 24 May to 19 July, followed by a 20-week tour across the UK and Ireland. For those who missed the production’s original open-air staging—or who just want to experience it in a new venue—this is a golden opportunity.

And if that weren’t enough, the re-imagined 101 DALMATIANS (which had audiences wagging their tails in delight previously) will be unleashed at London’s Eventim Apollo from 18 July to 30 August 2025. These transfers underscore the theatre’s influence well beyond the confines of Regent’s Park, showing how open-air success stories can evolve into broader cultural events throughout the UK.

New Horizons Under The Sky

Reflecting on this remarkable upcoming season, Drew McOnie summed it up by saying, “After what has without doubt been one of the most thrilling incubation periods of my creative career, I am so proud of the season we are now able to announce… My ambition is to honour that legacy as we move into this new artistic chapter.” McOnie’s credentials as a lauded choreographer and director hint that his stewardship could open an exciting new phase for the venue, one that emphasises both variety and innovation.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has a longstanding tradition of balancing crowd-pleasers with artistic boldness, and this 2025 line-up is no exception. SHUCKED’s zany premise might reel you in; the Rodgers and Hammerstein triple bill might astound you with dance brilliance; NOUGHTS AND CROSSES might shake you to your core with its potent social commentary; BRIGADOON will whisk you away to dreamy lands, and THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE promises an unforgettable family outing. In between, festivals and development programmes keep the theatre’s creative energy pulsing well beyond the main stage.

Priority booking for the season opens at 12pm today, so if any of these shows pique your interest, it’s worth setting your alarms. Public booking launches at 11am on Thursday 6 February 2025, by which point you can expect quite a scramble for those prime seats. Given the theatre’s unique setting—surrounded by nature and alive with the unpredictability of the British weather—these productions often gain a special kind of magic. After all, there’s nothing like listening to Rodgers and Hammerstein under the stars or discovering a new musical gem as dusk settles over Regent’s Park.

As the anticipation builds for May 2025, it’s clear that Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is determined to celebrate theatrical storytelling in all its forms, under a shared sky. Whether you’re a fan of classic musicals, a parent seeking imaginative daytime shows, or a theatregoer eager for new adaptations and creative surprises, McOnie’s debut season offers something special for everyone. So mark your calendars, grab your picnic baskets, and get ready for a summer of unforgettable performance—this is one season that promises to dazzle, rain or shine.