Review: Brigadoon at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Five Stars)
Brigadoon at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is pure theatrical magic: a complete delight and a glorious couple of hours of escapism. It’s hard to imagine a more romantic evening at the theatre in London this summer. Not even a sudden downpour of rain and a showstop while the crew mopped the stage could dampen the spell cast over press night.
This rarely performed classic musical hasn’t been seen in London for over 35 years. However, with book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe (the writing team behind My Fair Lady), this summer Brigadoon comes alive in a new adaptation by Rona Munro. Set during World War II, the story follows two American fighter pilots who crash land in Scotland and stumble upon the mystical village of Brigadoon, a place not found on any map, where the townsfolk are preparing for a wedding.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Artistic Director Drew McOnie’s direction and choreography are woven seamlessly into every moment of the show, making dance the heart of the storytelling rather than a decorative flourish. The villagers frolic and twirl across the stage and even into the aisles of the audience, their movements rich with character and atmosphere. Sami Fendall’s whimsical costumes, in cohesive shades of yellow and later accented with pink for the wedding, allow for glorious twirling and skirt-swooshing that perfectly match the production’s joyful spirit.
Louis Gaunt and Danielle Fiamanya make a charming pair as the show’s romantic leads, Tommy Albright and Fiona Maclaren, with a lovely chemistry between them. They are joined by an equally talented supporting cast including a standout performance from Nic Myers as Meg, who delivers two of the most energetic and comedic musical numbers, as well as a well-utilised ensemble that is integral to the rich world-building of the production.
From the opening moments, as drummers and bagpipers emerge from the aisles, under the expert guidance of musical director Laura Bangay and musical supervisor/orchestrator Sarah Travis, the score fills the open air venue with warmth and energy. The onstage orchestra is a joy to watch and hear, deeply embedded in the production.
Basia Bińkowska’s set design takes full advantage of the unique Regent’s Park setting, with multi-level ramps, vegetation, and a gentle rock pool, all under Jessica Hung Han Yun’s evocative lighting that is beautifully filtered through the purple heather lining the edge of the stage. The result is a visual delight that captures the magical spirit of Brigadoon’s enchanted world.
Romantic, joyous, and utterly transporting, this is a rare gem of a musical revival, performed in the perfect venue: it’s a must-see this summer.
Brigadoon runs at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 20th September 2025.
Photos by Mark Senior