Photos

Vintage Benedict Cumberbatch pictures released from Open Air archive

The archive includes images of the ”Sherlock” star alongside Ralph Fiennes and Sarah Woodward

To mark the launch of the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre heritage project, the theatre have released a selection of images from their theatre archive including Benedict Cumberbatch rehearsing Love's Labour's Lost in 2001.

The collection, available free for everyone, includes photos as well as items relating to productions dating back to the 1930s such as programmes, posters and production designs.

Over its 83 year history, Open Air Theatre has welcomed many famous actors, directors and creative teams, some relatively unknown at the time but who have since gone on to significant careers on stage and film. The heritage website launches with a detailed catalogue of four well-known theatre alumni – Judi Dench, Benedict Cumberbatch, Hugh Bonneville and Janie Dee.

Hugh Bonneville, who made his professional stage debut at Open Air Theatre, commented: "I'm delighted that, thanks to this wonderful new initiative, the Open Air Theatre's archive – a flavour of past productions and a Who's Who of the theatre makers who have been part of its rich history – is being brought to life."

Trustee of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, Judi Dench said: "I am thrilled that Regent's Park Open Air Theatre are launching a Heritage Project to make their fascinating history available to all. I have enjoyed a long association with the theatre, and I am sure that anyone who has worked there, or who has seen a production there, have their own memories of special times in that unique venue."

As part of a long-term heritage project, material from the archives will be digitalized, preserving the delicate printed material for future generations. Each quarter, there will be a new focus on an aspect of the theatre's history.

To access the archive, head to the Open Air Theatre's heritage page.