06 Aug 2008
Life should be relaxing on a summer’s day in Regent’s Park, but for Timothy Sheader, Artistic Director of the Open Air Theatre and Director of new musical Gigi, it all seems a bit hectic, finds Matthew Amer. Read more
Set against the Belle Époque of Paris, young Gigi breaks with convention when she captures the heart of a rich playboy.
Written by Lerner and Loewe, famed for their earlier musical My Fair Lady, Gigi has not been seen in London for over 20 years. Both witty and charming Gigi includes such numbers as Thank Heaven For Little Girls and I Remember it Well.
Returning to the London stage to star in Gigi are Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee Topol, best known for his multiple performances as Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof, and stage and screen favourite Millicent Martin. They are joined by rising musical theatre star Lisa O’Hare (My Fair Lady, Mary Poppins) in the title role and Thomas Borchert, star of many musicals in Europe, as Gaston. Also appearing is the BAFTA-winning actress Linda Thorson.
For more information about Gigi at the Open Air Theatre read our Gigi First Night Feature or interview with director Timothy Sheader.
show times: Mon-Sat 20:00, mats Thu & Sat 14:30
ticket prices: £8-£42
duration: 2h30
cast: Chaim Topol, Lisa O'Hare, Millicent Martin, Linda Thorson, Rachel Archer, Paul Bentley, Thomas Borchert, Jennie Dale, Nina French, Francis Haugen, Shaun Henson, David Lucas, Jo Morris, Zoe Rainey, Amy Ellen Richardson, Myra Sands, Laura Scott, Kate Tydman, Kerry Washington
director: Timothy Sheader
lyrics by: Alan Jay Lerner
sound: Mike Walker
lighting designer: Simon Mills
choreographer: Stephen Mear
designer: Yannis Thavoris
producer: Edwin Lester and Saint Subber
map: View Map
address: Regents Park, London, United Kingdom, NW1 4NR
nearest tube: Baker Street
nearest bus: 13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 82, 113, 139, 189, 274
parking: The Inner Circle nearby has spaces designated for disabled patrons and there is ample room for minibuses and ambulances to park.
air conditioned: Yes
Access Booking: Tel: 0844 826 4242 Fax: 020 7487 4562
discounts: £10 seats for disabled access.
limited mobility: Patrons with limited mobility are welcome to use our accessible seating on row J. There are also several rows which involve only one or two steps to access the seating.
access description: Access to the theatre is through the box office entrance where there is a hand rail to guide patrons down a paved ramp to the left. The ramp then folds back onto itself to the right where patrons can access theatre seating at two entrances. Entrance to the theatre is up a sloped paved ramp with two rain drains, one at the bottom and one at the top of the ramp and all accessible seating is on the same level as where the ramps exit. Exit out of the theatre is at the stage door which is down a paved slope without hand rails. Patrons can ask to be let out the box office entrance or to enter through the stage entrance with prior arrangements. The Box Office is just outside the gates to the theatre, there is a gentle slope (no steps) to the restaurant, bar area and auditorium. 18 shallow steps down to the front row of the Stalls (no handrails).
hearing impaired: Sennheise infra-red system with 8 headsets.
guide dogs policy: Guide dogs are welcome and bowls of water can be provided.
wheelchairs: The theatre is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. There is a slight slope up into the theatre and all wheelchair seating (38 spaces) is on the level of entrance into the theatre. The wheelchair is then backed into the designated area and patrons will then have an unobstructed view of the stage. Transfer seats are also available.
toilets: Large Men's and Women's opposite bar.
disabled toilets: Adapted loos are to the left of the box office entrance as you enter the theatre or to the right as you exit the theatre.
legroom: Access guides, large print programmes, talking programmes on request.
food: Tea and cake can be booked in advance for matinee performances and priority suppers can be booked in advance for evening performances. There is also a bar, buffet and barbeque located on site which patrons can select a variety of cocktails, salads, and burgers from.
Gigi
Bookmark with: