Regent's Park Open Air Theatre announces 2026 season

Kicking off the season will be the world premiere of Sherlock Holmes, a new mystery by Joel Horwood (Ocean at the End of the Lane, National Theatre, West End & UK Tour), directed by Sean Holmes (Pinocchio, Shakespeare's Globe). This exciting new adventure is set in 1890 London and follows Sherlock, fresh off the success of his first major case. Holmes wastes his time until an unknown woman and a mysterious jewel arrive at 221b Baker Street. Audiences will see whether Holmes and Watson can lift the curtain on the big show and reveal the mastermind behind this deadly conspiracy. Joshua James, who has performed in Stranger Things: The First Shadow in the West End, will star as Sherlock Holmes. The production will run from 2 May - 6 June 2026.

From 11 June - 14 June, Vivaldi's masterpiece A Life in Four Seasons will be reimagined in an electric new dance work. Created by Tinuke Craig returns to the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre after last year's Noughts & Crosses to present this audacious evening of contemporary dance. The creative team will include Casting Director Will Burton, Set and Costume Designer Ryan Dawson Laight, Choreographer Alexzandra Sarmiento and Composition and Arrangements, based on Vivaldi's original work by DJ Walde.

Shakespeare's most spellbinding comedy, A Midsummer Night's Dream, will blossom once again in the magical outdoor setting of this theatre from 20 June. Directed by Atri Banerjee (The Glass Menagerie, Royal Exchange), the production will feature folk-infused melodies composed by Maimuna Memon (Portia Coughlan, Almeida). The production will play until 18 July, with the cast to be announced.

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre will host the major revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats, which will run from 25 July - 12 September. Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, Cats is based on T.S. Eliot's Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The production's creatives include Casting Director Will Burton, Makeup Designer & Supervisor Guy Common, Set, Costume & Wigs Designer Sami Fendall, Sound Designer Adam Fisher, Lighting Designer Jessica Hung Han Yun, and Musical Supervisor Alex Parker. Cast for the production is to be announced.

Families can look forward to Anansi The Spider this summer, running from 15 August - 6 September. The production, which follows classic West African and Caribbean folk tales about the mischievous spider who triumphs over larger foes, heads to the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre following sold-out runs at the Unicorn Theatre in 2023 and 2025. Robin Belfield directs.