There’s something about Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre that already feels special before the curtain (or in this case, the dusk) even rises. Last week, we were swept not only into the natural magic of the park, but into the enchanted village of Brigadoon - a place that appears for just one day every hundred years.

From the moment the first wisps of mist drifted across the stage, it was easy to forget we were in central London at all. The set, covered in heather and layered with atmospheric lighting, created a dreamlike Scottish landscape that seemed to glow under the evening sky. It felt as though the theatre itself had been transported.

The story follows two outsiders who stumble across Brigadoon and discover a world where time stands still, love is eternal, and the outside world fades into insignificance. Here, the romance between Tommy and Fiona took centre stage. Tender, charming, and beautifully played by Louis Gaunt and Danielle Fiamanya, their chemistry drew us in, making us believe in the idea of a love strong enough to defy time. We also loved Nic Myers as the mischievous Meg, who brought warmth and humour to her every scene, and Jasmine Jules Andrews and Gilli Jones were delightful as the young couple Jean and Charlie, adding an extra touch of sweetness to the story.

Part of the excitement of seeing a show at the Open Air Theatre is the risk of the elements playing a role (free and unscripted!) During Fiona’s beautiful rendition of “Waitin’For My Dearie", the rain poured down, heavy. Seemingly unphased, the performers delightfully twirled and thrilled - ever so Singin’ in the rain-esqe - as the water bounced at their feet. After the song concluded, the MD came out and asked for our patience as they temporarily paused the dry the stage. After the thunderous applause from the audience, and a quick cleanup, the show ran smoothly to the end.

What stood out most for us, though, was the choreography. Under Drew McOnie’s direction, the dancing wasn’t just decoration; it told the story. At times, we felt transported back to the golden age of Gene Kelly - that sweeping, expressive style of movement you just don’t see on stage these days. From big ensemble numbers full of life and joy, to quieter moments of intimacy, the movement brought an emotional depth that words alone might have struggled to carry. It was physical storytelling at its best, and it gave the whole evening a heartbeat.

It’s perhaps no surprise that after the show we discovered Gene Kelly famously originated the role of Tommy in the film adaptation of Brigadoon in 1954, the classic era of musical storytelling.

Of course, Brigadoon is a curious show - part fairytale, part love story, part fantasy. If you look too closely at the logic of the plot, you might find yourself with questions. But sitting there under the stars, we were more than happy to be swept along by the romance, the music, and the sheer atmosphere of it all.

What lingers afterwards are the lessons tucked inside the mist: that sometimes we need to slow down and step away from the noise of the everyday world, that love is strongest when it’s rooted in trust and sacrifice, and that magic isn’t always about spells - sometimes it’s about courage and choosing a different path. Tommy lovingly asks Fiona to give him “a passport to disappear” - and that’s exactly how the evening felt. A temporary escape, a reminder of what matters, and a chance to believe in something bigger than ourselves.

By the time the final notes faded, we felt as though we’d been somewhere else entirely, a fleeting, magical village where anything felt possible. And isn’t that exactly what theatre should do?

Brigadoon is showing at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until September 20th, tickets can be bought here.

Brigadoon at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre: A Magical Evening in the Highlands

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