27 Feb 2025
Get ready for an extraordinary fusion of history, theatre, and music as the Roman Theatre Open Air Festival returns to St Albans for its 11th year.
Presented by acclaimed theatre production company OVO, the summer showpiece promises an unforgettable season of bold, imaginative, and dynamic performances in the breathtaking setting of the Verulamium Roman Theatre.
Offering innovative adaptations of classic plays and vibrant musical performances, the 2025 season is set to be another sell-out success – making it a highlight of the summer arts calendar – and runs from June 6 to August 31.
Shakespeare is at the heart of the Roman Theatre programme and OVO is delighted to present its dazzling 1970s musical adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by its artistic director Adam Nichols, which will transport audiences to the glittering age of disco.
This will be followed by a lively, interactive, and comedic production of Hamlet, presented by Roman Theatre favourites, The Pantaloons.
Classic plays this summer will include Red Shift founder Jonathan Holloway’s directing debut for OVO with his adaptation of Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, injustice and redemption, Les Misérables.
A fresh take on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, directed by OVO associate director Kelly Ann Stewart, will be performed with a live jazz soundtrack capturing the energy and excess of the 1920s.
As part of OVO’s commitment to supporting youth and local community theatre groups, Act 4 presents A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, a brilliant, non-stop musical comedy. Meanwhile, OVO’s critically acclaimed youth ensemble return with a gripping adaptation of William Golding’s classic tale of survival and human nature, Lord of the Flies.
This summer’s festival also features a range of live music nights, including an evening with Mark Morriss of The Bluetones,a night of The Rolling Stones music from Ver Players Ukulele Group and performances by live 80s Band – Our Friends Electric.
Various ticket types are available from as little as £15 or for those looking for a little more luxury, there is comfortable covered seating in the new premium seating area, with tickets in this section from £30.
For those who want to experience the full magic of the festival, season tickets are available from just £75.
OVO artistic director and founder Adam Nichols said: “We are thrilled to unveil a 2025 programme packed with exceptional productions and creative talent.
“I’m especially pleased that we are increasing our commitment to making the festival as accessible as possible, with thousands of tickets available at £17 or less, giving everyone the chance to experience bold, imaginative and surprising theatre in the wonderful surroundings of the Roman Theatre.”
General ticket sales open on February 28 and are available from: www.ovo.org.uk
Upcoming Performances at the Roman Theatre Open Air Festival 2025
Les Misérables (June 6-21)
Presented by OVO | By Victor Hugo | Adapted & Directed by Jonathan Holloway
Think you know Les Mis from the famous Cameron Mackintosh musical? Be prepared for a gripping and timeless ensemble drama. Set in a time when riot and revolution were in the air, this epic story of love injustice and atonement is as relevant now as it ever was. Jonathan Holloway makes his directorial debut for OVO with this actor-musician led revival first produced in 1997 at the Edinburgh Festival and since performed across the globe.
Mark Morriss Live (June 8)
Best known as the lead singer of The Bluetones, Mark Morriss has spent the best part of three decades honing his craft as a live performer. With six Bluetones albums, 14 Top 40 singles, four albums as a solo artist and collaborations with Matt Berry and The Maypoles, Mike Wilton, and The Helicopter Of The Holy Ghost on tours and on record this is an unmissable evening of musical brilliance.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (June 27-July 13)
Presented by OVO | By William Shakespeare | Directed by Adam Nichols
Get ready for Shakespeare… with a disco twist! This high-energy, music-filled adaptation of The Dream transports audiences to the glittering, hustling, hip-swivelling age of classic disco. This entertaining, musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s evergreen romantic comedy features hits from Gloria Gaynor, The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and more – played by a live band under the stars.
Get Yer Ukes Out: It’s Rolling Stones Night (June 29)
Presented by Ver Players
Following sell-out performances of their Pink Floyd-inspired ‘Dark Side of the Uke’ (2023) and their tribute to The Beatles (2024), Ver Players come together again this summer for an evening of Rolling Stones music.
Hamlet (July 14-20)
Presented by The Pantaloons | By William Shakespeare
Returning to the Roman Theatre for their fifth year, after delighting audiences with The Importance of Being Earnest and Robin Hood last summer, critically-acclaimed The Pantaloons put their signature anarchic style on Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy. Expect live music, audience interaction, comic turns and tragic twists. There’s only one question: To be there, or to be square?
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (July 29-August 2)
Presented by Act 4 | Book by Burt Shevelove & Larry Gelbart | Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim |
Act 4 is delighted to bring its third Sondheim musical to the Roman Theatre, with this fast-paced musical comedy set in Rome in 2000 BC. Originally produced on Broadway by Harold.S.Prince, this non-stop musical comedy promises laugh-out-loud moments and unforgettable songs.
The Great Gatsby (August 8-24)
Presented by OVO | By F. Scott Fitzgerald | Adapted by Mark O’Sullivan | Directed by Kelly Ann Stewart
OVO’s brand-new adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless narrative brings the glamour, decadence, and tragedy of the Jazz Age to the Roman Theatre. Featuring a live jazz pianist, be prepared to be immersed in the hedonistic roaring 20s world of excess, fantasy, and “the great American dream”.
Our Friends Electric: 80s Live Band (August 10)
Relive the unforgettable sounds of the eighties with Our Friends Electric. Paying tribute to the synthesizer-driven sound of the era, expect seminal classics and dancefloor fillers from The Human League, Duran Duran and more.
Lord of the Flies (August 28-31)
Presented by OVO | By William Golding | Directed by Faith Turner
Following its acclaimed production of The Secret Garden, OVO’s Youth Ensemble return with William Golding’s classic tale of survival and human nature.
With intense performances and a fresh, youthful energy OVO brings a raw, thought-provoking take on this timeless classic, exploring themes of leadership, morality, and the darkness within us all.
