The Open Air Theatre has been a key part of London’s Regent’s Park for 80 years, providing outdoor theatre and live events from May to September. Ticketing options for the 1,240 seat auditorium range from £49.50 for premium seats, through to £22.50 for budget visitors. One of the current events at the Theatre is a new production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which runs from June up to the 5th of September 2012.

The play, directed by Matthew Dunster, updates Shakespeare’s farce to take place in a gypsy camp facing eviction, and also makes use of contemporary music. The play’s staging makes the most of the outdoor park setting to include a lavish single set, as well as a rich selection of costumes.

This performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream builds on past successes at the Open Air Theatre, which have recently included re-imaginings of Into the Woods and The Crucible. The Theatre is also hosting the American history-themed Ragtime: The Musical until the 8th of September, as well as performances by Jimmy Carr, films, and some live music gigs throughout the summer months and the early autumn.

A visit to the Open Air Theatre is ideal for exploring the lakes, villas and fields of Regent’s Park in West London. The Theatre is located within the Park’s inner circle. Visitors can make the most of picnics and walks around the Park before a performance and there are also several hotels in the area, such as the Holiday Inn at www.hilondonregentsparkhotel.co.uk.

The Theatre also provides barbecues and packaged picnics, as well as a larger bar than any West End venue. Coffee shops and other small restaurants are also available nearby. Although bad weather can be a problem for performances, the Theatre will exchange tickets for another night.

The Open Air Theatre is accessed via a short walk from local Tube stops, with the closest station being Baker Street on the Bakerloo Line. Further up the Line, the main Regent’s Park stop, and the Great Portland Street stop on the Westbound Hammersmith and City Line are also within walking distance.

Regent’s Park is also about 20 minutes’ walk from the West End, and close to Madame Tussauds by Baker Street station. Those wanting to go out and eat or drink after watching A Midsummer Night’s Dream this summer can enjoy sampling restaurants like Iberica on Devonshire Street, and a selection of pubs along Marylebone High Street.