Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre names Artistic Director

DREW MCONIE steps into the role of Artistic Director (AD) and Joint CEO at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

He joins in January next year, working alongside Executive Director JAMES PIDGEON.

McOnie is a director and choreographer working in theatre and film and was previously a dancer at Regent's Park. His choreography on Jesus Christ Superstar at the north London venue was nominated for an Olivier award in 2017.

While leading Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, he will remain AD of The McOnie Company, the dance company he launched in 2009. 

McOnie said: "For me there is nowhere in London where the shared experience of live theatre is more electric than at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

"It captured my imagination and stole my heart from my very first visit.

"I believe it’s because of the audience’s direct connection with the performers, each knowing equally that anything could happen and together they will experience something that its relationship with nature may make totally different the following day."

Pidgeon commented: "I very much look forward to working with [McOnie] to lead the organisation and our incredibly talented team through this next exciting chapter of growth and development.”

McOnie takes over from TIM SHEADER, who will join Donmar Warehouse in June following a 16-year tenure.