Fun in the Sun? Open Air Theatre

Perhaps the best known of open-air theatres - and the only professional outdoor theatre in the UK - is the aptly named Open Air Theatre at Regent's Park, the home of the New Shakespeare Company. Open-air performances have been taking place in the Park since early this century, but it wasn't until 1932 that the Open Air Theatre itself was officially founded by Robert Atkins and Sydney Carroll.

During the first half of the century, the Theatre experienced numerous hardships - including lack of funding, many decades of loss-making seasons and the Second World War. During the War, evening performances were strictly prohibited due to the blackout, and the theatre was limited to a short season of matinees. After the war, Atkins had a hard time wooing cash-strapped audiences back to the theatre. In 1961, he retired and the theatre was put up for sale.

Other Outdoor Venues

Despite harrowing weather conditions, the die-hard rule for open-air theatre is that the 'show must go on'. If at all possible. The players and theatre staff are a remarkably hardy bunch - and they expect the same of audiences. Freezing conditions, gale-force winds, drizzle and other pesky, non-weather-related conditions (low-flying planes, passing sirens and the like) are not enough to halt a performance.

Surprisingly, at the Open Air Theatre, they budget for only seven nights each season to be lost to bad weather. So far this wet summer, they have only totally cancelled one show - although on three other occasions they have had to stop the play due to sudden downpours.

Beware if you're a visitor and your time in the area is limited. At most open-air theatres, audiences are not entitled to refunds because of the weather. However, customers are usually allowed to exchange their tickets for a performance on another, less stormy evening.

If you remain undeterred, take a few precautions to ensure an enjoyable theatre outing. First of all, by all means, dress warmly - jumper, jacket, thick socks, a scarf. Even on nice days, temperatures can drop quickly once the sun goes down. Second, don't be afraid to bring your creature comforts with you - a cushion for hard seats, a blanket, a thermos of coffee. And lastly, be prepared for the weather to turn. Don't leave home without a raincoat or umbrella, just in case.

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