Everything you need to know about Brigadoon at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre:
- Venue: Regent's Park Open Air Theatre ((NW1 4NR)
- Dates: Until 20 September
- Duration: Two hours and 20 minutes including an interval
- Times: Monday to Saturday 7.45pm, Thursday and Saturday 2.15pm
- Audience: Recommended for anyone aged 8 and over
It’s been 35 years since Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s classic 1947 musical last captivated London’s West End. And in 2025, the revival of Brigadoon at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has put the musical back on the capital's theatre scene with a fresh take on the whirlwind love story.
Much like the original, Rona Munro’s reimagining of the musical traces the off-grid village of Brigadoon in the Scottish Highlands, which only appears for one day every hundred years. Two American fighter pilots, Jeff (Cavan Clarke) and Tommy (Louis Gaunt), crash-land and stumble upon the dreamlike village, later discovering that no one can leave the town or else it will disappear forever. But it’s the heady romance between Tommy and villager Fiona (Danielle Fiamanya/Georgina Onuorah) that takes centre stage, with the pair’s giddy excitement overshadowed by the looming decision of Tommy’s future.
Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, the new production marks the finale of the 2025 season and McOnie’s debut year at the helm of the Open Air Theatre. While the stage design courtesy of Basia Bińkowska is a visual triumph with its tiered wooden set and vivid pink heather, it’s the outdoor setting – defined by towering chestnut trees and the expansive sky – that truly elevates the musical.
The show opens abruptly to the haunting sound of bagpipes and drums, as the cast emerges from gangways and surrounding bushes, moving in rhythm to the steady pulse of the Scottish thrum. We’re quickly introduced to the villagers preparing for Fiona’s sister Jean’s (Jasmine Jules Andrews) wedding, with performers twisting and twirling in serene, balletic movements until Tommy and Jeff’s unexpected arrival jolts the village into shock.
The music is experienced in a fresh way, with the orchestra visible on the lower level of the stage and, at times, illuminated behind a soothing waterfall. Classics such as “I’ll Go Home with Bonnie Jean”, “The Heather on the Hill” and “Almost Like Being in Love” provide a taste of nostalgia for fans of the hit 1954 Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse film, as well as the original 1949 London production at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
Expressive dance is beautifully portrayed in a scene between Jean and her fiancé Charlie (Gilli Jones) as they perform to “Come to Me, Bend to Me”, and again in the second act by Maggie (Chrissy Brooke), who powerfully mourns the death of Harry (Danny Nattrass) after he plunged to his death in a desperate attempt to escape the village.
Nic Myers impresses in the fierce and energetic role of Meg, bringing a thrilling and welcomed burst of pizzaz to the musical in a hilarious scene where she attempts to seduce the wiry and exhausted Jeff. Another standout performance comes from Jasmine Andrews as Jean, who brilliantly embodies the spirit of girlhood as she prepares for her wedding and leaves her childhood home.
The show concludes with Tommy and Jeff leaving the village, only for Tommy to collapse with blood pouring from his heart – suggesting the magical qualities of Brigadoon had healed his crash injuries. At this point, the sun had set, creating a dark contrast to the light-filled, joyful town of Brigadoon we had just seen. Fiona emerges, and Tommy returns into the portal-like village, leaving Jeff alone in the Highlands before he is rescued by his fellow fighter pilots.
Brigadoon is showing at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 20 September. Performances run Monday to Saturday at 7.45pm, with matinee performances on Thursday and Saturday at 2.15pm.
Book tickets to see Brigadoon at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
Make the most of your visit
- Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is set in the northwestern corner of Regent’s Park (NW1 4NR) in the Inner Circle. Arrive early and explore the stunning Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens or coincide your visit with a trip to neighbouring attractions such as London Zoo and Madame Tussauds.
- Don't miss the final shows of Roald Dahl's The Enormous Crocodile at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre (until 7 September), an ideal show for little ones with morning and afternoon showings.
- Be sure to explore the highlights of nearby Marylebone Village including The Wallace Collection, Daunt Books and Fabriano.
- Hungry? Feast on Sicilian classics at Carlotta or secure a table at Mediterranean bistro Lita. You’ll also find a selection of food and drink at the theatre including burgers, pizzas, picnic hampers and ice cream.
- Explore our guide to the West End for award-winning musicals, limited-run shows and long-running favourites.