Traditionally, Christmas has been the time for theatre outings for the whole family. Yet, summer also provides a lush landscape of theatrical treats, many of them with the additional lure of outside space and picnic possibilities. And the 2026 season is no different, with a myriad of tempting treats all around the country.
Cats
Open Air Theatre’s productions are a highlight of the London cultural calendar (Photo: Mark Senior)
As Sam Ryder stars in Jesus Christ Superstar, on-trend Andrew Lloyd Webber enjoys yet another revival in the loveliest of alfresco venues, an auditorium nestled in the sylvan heart of Regent’s Park. The Open Air Theatre’s musicals have become one of the high points in the London cultural calendar, raising anticipation levels for Drew McConie’s reboot of the singing felines (based on TS Eliot’s superlative poetry collection Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats). Forget the disastrous film iteration, remember that theatre is where the Cats legend started and stock up on Pimm’s and ice cream as Grizabella and the rest of the musical moggies strut confidently into town.
Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, London NW1, July 25 to 9 September
