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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Zoe Paskett

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre to postpone entire summer season until 2021

The Regent's Park Open Air Theatre has postponed its entire season until 2021.

Carousel and Dragons and Mythical Beasts join the previously announced postponements of 101 Dalmatians and Romeo and Juliet.

The new 101 Dalmatians musical was set to open the theatre's 2020 season this weekend, but will now start on May 15, 2021.

Romeo and Juliet will now run throughout July next year, followed by the season highlight Carousel throughout August until September 18.

The news comes as confusion has arisen around new lockdown measures announced by the Prime Minister.

Artistic director Timothy Sheader said: “Whilst obviously unavoidable, it is incredibly sad that we are unable to open our theatre this summer for the first time since 1961. Our thoughts are with all those who were due to work with us this summer and our loyal audience.

"We are a charity which receives no public subsidy and so ticket sales in the summer months provide the vast majority of our income. Through creative programming, shrewd financial management and the backing of an ambitious audience always up for the thrilling, yet unpredictable, nature of open air theatre, we have built a successful and resilient business which has allowed us to weather this loss of an entire season."

He added that, with an entire year until audiences can visit again, the theatre would be in need of donations to keep going.

"We look forward to seeing everyone again in a sunnier 2021."

Cameron Mackintosh, who produces a number of West End musicals, said last week he didn't think it would be possible to open any large shows before 2021.

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