Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has confirmed its 2016 season which will include a production of Michael Morpurgo’s Running Wild , Shakespeare’s Henry V , Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar and the 2013 production of Pride and Prejudice will also be returning to the stage.
Running Wild (13th May-12th June 2016): opening the theatre’s 2016 season, this production is co-produced by the Chichester Festival Theatre and is the first professional production. Adapted by Samuel Adamson, Running Wild is a tale of love and loss but also importantly living for the moment.
For Will and his mother, going to Indonesia isn’t just a holiday. It’s a new start, and the chance for Will to ride an elephant called Oona. But then the tsunami hit. Charging deep into the jungle Oona escapes the beach, but with her rider still clinging on, Will must now learn to survive the rainforest – and he is not alone.
Henry V (17th June-9th July 2016): to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, Robert Hastie will direct a this production of the playwright’s play. Hastie has recently directed a production of My Night with Reg, which transferred to the Apollo theatre.
Jesus Christ Superstar (15th July-27th August 2016): it has been 45 years since Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical first appeared on stage and for this production it will be directed by Timothy Sheader. The production will be choreographed by Drew McConie and features memorable songs such as ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ and ‘Superstar’ – making this a must see for musical fans.
Pride and Prejudice (2nd-17th September 2016): returning to the theatre for the first time since its successful run in 2013, Simon Reade and Deborah Bruce concludes the 2016 season, before heading on a major UK tour.
Talking about the 2016 programme, Artistic Director Timothy Sheader says: “In a year when the world celebrates the life and work of Shakespeare, our 2016 season champions British writing. Whilst giving classics a new voice through outdoor production, I am delighted to be bringing a new play, Running Wild, to the stage this season. I am passionate about storytelling and of creating work that enhances the shared experience of theatregoing, and I look forward to sharing these productions with our audiences.”
The full cast and production teams have yet to be announced. Priority booking for members is now open, while public booking will open at 11am on the 8th December.