Situated in the inner circle of London's Regent's Park, this historic Open Air Theatre has provided a perfect setting for summertime performances of Shakespeare's plays since 1932. The Royal Parks Agency has granted the New Shakespeare Company a licence to operate in this popular theatre until 2021.
Improvements to the makeshift space for performances began in 1973 when David Conville, founder of the Company, submitted plans for a proper 1,187 seat outdoor theatre. This work was completed in 1975, but unfortunately the funds ran out before the bar and public areas could be completed. In response to audience demand and heightened Health and Safety regulations a £2 million programme of works was conceived in 1996. This project addressed specific elements of the existing theatre, including the provision of better disabled access, upgraded lighting and sound facilities, permanent catering and sponsors' facilities, and service infrastructure. The vastly improved theatre reopened for the summer of 2000.
