OPEN AIR THEATRE ANNOUNCES ITS 70TH SEASON

OPEN AIR THEATRE ANNOUNCES ITS 70TH SEASON

The Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park, celebrates its 70th Anniversary in 2002 with two new Shakespeare productions, a classic modern musical and a new play for children. Also celebrating its 40th Anniversary is the resident New Shakespeare Company.

The season runs in repertoire from 28th May to 7th September . (Repertoire dates tbc)

Productions include.....

Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare, which opens on 5th June , following previews from 28th May 02. It is directed by Dominic Hill and designed by Francis O'Connor. Set in the heat of a post-war Italian summer this tale fuses flowering sexuality with the devastating consequences of long-buried hatred.

As You Like It, by William Shakespeare, which opens on 10th June , following previews from 30th May 02. It is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh and designed by Francis O'Connor. Dukes and their daughters, comely maidens, shepherds and a clown play out their courtly games in the Forest of Arden.

Oh What A Lovely War, musical by Joan Littlewood, which opens on 25th July , following previews from 23rd July 02. It is directed by Ian Talbot and designed byKit Surrey with choreography by Gillian Gregory. A chronicle of the horrors of the First World War, told through songs and original material from the time. The Master of Ceremonies leads a colourful cast through a series of darkly humourous and often moving scenes with songs including 'Keep the Home Fires Burning', 'It's a Long Way to Tipperary', and 'Goodbye-ee'.

Merlin the Magnificent, a children's play by Stuart Paterson, which opens on 31st July 02. It is co -produced with Unicorn Theate for Children. It is directed by Tony Graham and designed by Russell Craig. Based on the legend of Merlin, the wizard in n King Arthur's Medieval Court.