Bard out in the open

11:39am Wednesday 25th June 2008

AN AL FRESCO dramatic experience awaits you this summer, thanks to an eclectic mix of theatre productions in one of the capital's most famous open spaces.

Regents Park Open Air Theatre kicks off this year's programme with a variety of Shakespeare classics and a smattering of modern productions in the very heart of London.

Artistic director Timothy Sheader is understandably excited about the season's treats, which allows the audience to relax with some food and wine in tranquil surroundings while being swept away by the stage.

He said: "It's fantastic to see 1,000 people flooding through the gate to picnic and to hear all those glasses clinking.

"Then, later on, their laughter turns to tears as they get drawn into the magical world of story-telling.

"Shakespeare lends itself so well to theatre as it was designed for the daylight, but some of the musical theatre is much more difficult as you have problems with lighting and so on.

"I'm very proud of Romeo and Juliet as it's a play that I've wanted to do for a long time and quite a departure from my regular work.

"Midsummer Night's Dream is a perennial favourite and almost a signature play of the theatre. We have now adapted it for six to 11-year-olds with lots of movement and imagery in a performance only 70 minutes long.

"Kids have a two-hour workshop with an actor in their school beforehand and it's very exciting to introduce them to Shakespeare in a way that they don't need any previous knowledge of it."

The Bard's Twelfth Night and Gigi by Lerner and Loewe can also be seen, along with a range of Sunday comedy and concerts from the likes of Jimmy Carr, Seth Lakeman and the Bootleg Beatles.

But Mr Sheader admits the weather can be problematic as sometimes for health and safety reasons, shows have to be cancelled as the stage can be wet and dangerous for the actors.

He continued: "When people come here it's about a whole experience and not just the theatre. By coming here in the light and sitting in shared surrounds and shared light with everybody around.

"And then when night descends how much more magical it becomes as people come into the building as individuals and leave as a corporate whole.

"Theatre is all about being present as it's there in front of you rather than being on celluloid and this theatre is much more real than most."

Call 0844 826 4242 or visit the website in related links for more information.

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