There is no more magical a theatre setting than Regent’s Park’s Open Air Theatre which provides the perfect backdrop for the revival of Lerner and Loewe’s (My Fair Lady, Camelot and Gigi) musical classic Brigadoon.
Brigadoon was first staged on Broadway back in March 1947, and it’s over 35 years since it was last played in London. It’s a while since I’ve been to Regent’s Park’s Amphitheatre and I forgot just how stunning it is – rain or shine, you’re guaranteed to be captivated by this beautiful outdoor space.
Cavan Clarke and Louis Gaunt, play Jeff and Tommy respectively – WW2 fighter pilots who have crash landed in the mysterious village of Brigadoon, within the Scottish Highlands and are trying to make it home. They encounter sisters Fiona and Jean, played by Jasmine Jules Andrews. The role of Fiona is shared by Danielle Fiamanya and Georgina Onuorah. On press night, Danielle Fiamanya (The Secret Life of Bees, Frozen) performed – singing her heart out and making it easy for us to fall in love with her character.
A wedding is on the horizon, and before we know it, the pilots are caught up in a fantastical world and its people. What ensues is a slightly mad cap, whimsical tale where we question the true meaning of love on a land that exists for one day, every centenary, oh and its inhabitants can never leave or the spell is broken. It’s a bit far fetched but we quickly get absorbed in Rona Munro’s adaptation.
The musical element gives us big romantic, sweeping numbers allowing the cast to truly shine in their range of vocal talents. Brigadoon is renowned for iconic songs including Almost Like Being in Love, There But For You Go I and The Heather on the Hill and the entire musical element comes to life through the delightful and impressive live band of 12 lead by conductor Laura Bangay.
As you’d expect, Sami Fendall’s costume design features tartan and kilts with women in pastels and muted browns, which go perfectly with the rustic outdoor setting.
We were blown away by Drew McOnie and Ebony Molina’s exquisite choreography. There are plenty of contemporary ballet nods alongside light, bouncy movements – it was mesmerising.
As an additional treat, we felt fully immersed in Scottish culture as we were serenaded by David Colvin and Robin Mackenzie’s bagpipes– providing a moving and evocative atmosphere under the skies
Basia Binkowska’s impressive set design makes good of the great outdoors particular with the floral purple hues of Heather featured throughout and coupled with Jessica Hung Han Yung’s lighting design – it’s superbly pretty sight.
As new artistic director Drew McOnie’s final production of his first season, the bar remains high with his top tier direction and choreography with this Scottish classic, we look forward to what comes next.
Experiencing Brigadoon in this setting is a magical and unforgettable experience – don’t miss it!
Need to know:
- Brigadoon plays at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until Sat 20 Sep 2025
- Check the weather and plan accordingly
- Running time | approx. 2hrs 20mins including an interval
