Dame Judi Dench to Be Giant's Voice in Regent's Park INTO THE WOODS

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre announced today that Dame Judi Dench will feature as the voice of the Giant in its new production of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods. Dame Judi, who is also a patron of the 1,240 seat theatre, last performed on the Regent's Park stage in Sweet Mister Shakespeare in 1976 and directed Romeo and Juliet and Taming of the Shrew in 1993 alongside Toby Robertson. Dame Judi will record her part in late July.

Celebrating Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday, the stories of The Brothers Grimm will be given a dark and humorous twist in London's captivating outdoor theatre from 6 August - 11 September. Timothy Sheader and Liam Steel will co-direct Hannah Waddingham in the role of The Witch, Jenna Russell as the Baker's Wife and Helen Dallimore as Cinderella. Hannah was nominated for an Olivier Award for her portrayal of Desiree in Sondheim's A Little Night Music, and played the Lady of the Lake in Spamalot in the West End and on Broadway. Jenna won an Olivier Award for Sunday In The Park With George, and subsequently transferred the production to Broadway where she was nominated for a Drama Desk and Tony Award. Helen Dallimore made her West End debut as Glinda in the original London cast of the musical Wicked. For full casting details, please visit the website www.openairtheatre.com

As The Crucible comes to the end of a successful run on 19 June, the Open Air Theatre will welcome a new production of The Comedy of Errors set in 1940's Casablanca, directed by Philip Franks from 24 June - 31 July. Macbeth, re-imagined for ages 6 and over will follow shortly after, directed by the newly appointed Artistic Director of Soho Theatre Steve Marmion from 3 July - 31 July.

For more information, www.openairtheatre.com
Box Office: 0844 826 4242 (24 hours)

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.