Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS is back in London for summer 2026, but this is not simply a return of the familiar West End production. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is staging a brand-new version, directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, in one of London’s most atmospheric theatre settings. It runs until 19 September 2026.
If you have tickets, here are five genuinely useful things to know before you go.
1. Remember that you are completely outdoors
The clue is in the name. The stage and every seat in the auditorium are uncovered, so what you wear can make a big difference to the evening.
A warm summer afternoon can turn surprisingly chilly once the sun disappears, particularly during an evening performance. Take a jumper or light coat even if the weather looks good when you leave home.
If rain is forecast, bring a proper waterproof rather than relying on an umbrella. The theatre recommends preparing for everything from sunshine to rain, with sun cream, hats, waterproofs and extra layers all potentially useful.
The performance does not automatically stop because it starts raining. In fact, the theatre says around 94% of its performances are completed each season. If severe weather means a performance cannot go ahead or has to be abandoned, tickets can normally be exchanged under the theatre’s weather policy rather than refunded.
Our tip: check the forecast, but dress for a slightly worse version of it.
2. Arrive early because the theatre is actually inside Regent’s Park
This is not a West End theatre where you step off the Tube and immediately see a huge illuminated sign.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is tucked inside Queen Mary’s Gardens, and the theatre itself warns that signposting within the Royal Park is limited. The closest Tube station is Baker Street, around a 10-minute walk away. Use postcode NW1 4NU rather than simply searching for Regent’s Park.
The theatre gates normally open 90 minutes before the performance, which is worth taking advantage of.
It also isn’t a good place to be late. Latecomers are not guaranteed admission and may have to wait until an appropriate point in the performance. Queen Mary’s Gardens are also locked after dark, which can make arriving late for an evening performance more complicated.
Our tip: aim to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before CATS begins, and earlier if you want food or drinks.
3. Make the pre-show picnic part of the experience
One of the pleasures of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is that the evening can start well before the curtain goes up.
There is a picnic lawn plus bars and several food options, including The Grill and Pizza Oven. You can also bring your own picnic and eat it on the theatre’s picnic lawn or in Queen Mary’s Gardens. Sharp knives should not be brought with you, and externally purchased hot food or open drinks cannot be taken onto the theatre premises.
Most hot food service finishes up to 30 minutes before the performance, while cold food remains available until the show starts. Drinks bought at the theatre can be taken into the auditorium, but food cannot.
The venue is also cashless, so take a card or use contactless payment.
For a summer matinee, a picnic followed by CATS makes a particularly easy family afternoon.
4. It is family-friendly, but check whether your child will manage the full show
The official age recommendation for this production is 5+. Children under four are not admitted, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
The performance lasts approximately 2 hours 15 minutes including the interval, so younger children need to be comfortable sitting through a full-length musical.
Parents should also know that this version of CATS includes loud noises, pyrotechnics, bright and flashing lights, smoke and fire effects.
There are also accessible performances during the run, including relaxed, BSL, captioned and audio-described performances.
Our tip: if this is a child’s first musical, listen to a few of the songs beforehand. Recognising Memory, Macavity or The Jellicle Ball can make the performance much easier to follow.
5. Don’t expect exactly the CATS you remember
This is perhaps the most interesting reason to see the Regent’s Park production.
It is a new production of CATS, rather than simply recreating the long-running original London staging. Drew McOnie directs and choreographs, with the story reframed around London’s own community of strays and rebels gathering beneath the Jellicle moon.
The famous Andrew Lloyd Webber score remains, including Memory, Macavity: The Mystery Cat, Old Deuteronomy and Jellicle Ball.
The cast includes Rachael Wooding as Grizabella, Melanie La Barrie as Old Deuteronomy, Gary Wilmot as Gus and Jaydon Vijn as Rum Tum Tugger.
Seeing it outdoors also changes the experience. As daylight fades over Regent’s Park and the theatre moves into darkness, the setting becomes part of the production in a way that a conventional indoor theatre cannot quite reproduce.
CATS at Regent’s Park: quick guide
Dates: 25 July to 19 September 2026.
Running time: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes including an interval.
Age guidance: 5+. Children under four are not admitted.
Nearest Tube: Baker Street, approximately 10 minutes’ walk.
Where: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NU.
What to take: a jumper, waterproof, comfortable shoes and a payment card.
Best tip: arrive early enough to enjoy the park and picnic lawn. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is one of those venues where the time before the show can be almost as enjoyable as the performance itself.