LA CAGE AUX FOLLES and ONCE ON THIS ISLAND announced at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre have announced their 2023 summer season, to include hit musicals Once On This Island and La Cage Aux Folles.

The season opens with Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s musical Once On This Island from 10 May – 10 June, followed by Carl Grose’s Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written from 17 June – 22 July, and then their summer musical Jerry Herman’s La Cage aux Folles from 29 July-16 September 2023.

Work for younger audiences and families includes a brand new adaptation of Ben Okri’s Every Leaf A Hallelujah from 22 May - 10 June, adapted by Chinonyerem Odimba; The Tempest re-imagined for everyone aged six and over from 30 June – 22 July, revised and directed by Jennifer Tang in a co-production with the Unicorn Theatre; and Nicoll Entertainment’s Dinosaur World Live from 11 August – 3 September, written and directed by Derek Bond.

Artistic Director Timothy Sheader said: “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.”

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? 

Told with epic storytelling, stirring songs, and absolutely no green tights (well, maybe just a flash), Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written, is a thrilling new take on the classic tale, set in a desperate, divided kingdom where only the truly cunning can outwit the sheriff’s terrifying wrath. Directed by Melly Still and promising humour, heart and a forest full of secrets, expect the arrows to fly in a bold new direction as trickery and truth collide with fiery results. From Carl Grose, the writer behind Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs), Grand Guignol and the West End musical The Grinning Man.

With a book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, La Cage aux Folles is based on the play by Jean Poiret, and includes the classic songs ‘I Am What I Am’ and ‘The Best of Times’. Directed by Timothy Sheader, Georges, Albin and their son Jean-Michel re-discover the true meaning of family, and of putting yourself last so that the ones you love can come first.

Full creative teams and casting for all productions are to be announced.

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