Last Updated on July 2, 2026
Highland Charm in the Park with Brigadoon
4.5 out of 5.0 starsThis re-interpreted revival at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre of the 1947 musical by Lerner and Loewe tells the story of Brigadoon, a mysterious Scottish village that appears for only one day every hundred years. It’s a love story between two people whose paths should never have crossed, yet they collided. Back in the 18th century, to avoid the conflict of war and the Jacobite uprisings, a local minister prayed to God to preserve Brigadoon. The mysterious village would disappear without a trace each time and reappear once every one hundred years. To the villagers, however, only a single night would have passed.
In the original Broadway production, Tommy and Jeff were American tourists on a hunting holiday. By the 1954 film, they had been recast as U.S. Air Force personnel — a postwar update designed to resonate with contemporary audiences. The Regent’s Park revival follows that cinematic lead, with Tommy (Louis Gaunt) and Jeff (Cavan Clarke) crash-landing their plane in the Scottish Highlands. It’s the version etched in my memory from childhood, a Sunday-afternoon staple whose blend of misty glens and romantic fantasy left me utterly spellbound.
Overall, last night’s production didn’t disappoint. The simple but stunning set from Basia Bińkowska was both functional and visually convincing, with the stark grey stage and path, leading up to a heather-filled plateau. At various points, lanterns are placed around the stage, there’s a waterfall in one corner, and yet plenty of space remains for the ensemble to dance.
Costumes from Sami Fendall for the people of Brigadoon are glamorised Scottish with a hint of Alexander McQueen. Coming from a family of kilt wearers (the men), I was particularly impressed by the half kilt interpretation, which allowed the ensemble to dance beautifully. Subtle earthy yellows and browns are punctuated by pinks for the wedding scene and purple for the fantasy moment. It’s beautifully executed.
The show begins with the pulse of drums and the skirl of pipes echoing through the aisles, drawing the audience straight into a world steeped in Highland myth. The atmosphere is intoxicating, and when the Americans stumble upon the villagers of Brigadoon, the sense of stepping into an untouched Gaelic dream deepens even further.
The villagers are in the middle of setting up the wedding of Jean and Charli (Jasmine Jules Andrews and Gilli Jones). Perfectly cast, this pair played a convincingly smitten bride and groom and Jones, making his professional stage debut, was a star in the making, with a powerful, soaring voice and excellent characterisation.
His rival, Harry (Danny Nattress), delivered a consistently strong vocal performance, but it was his layered portrayal that stood out. Restless and defiant, Nattress infused Harry with a compelling mix of vulnerability, agitation, and rebellious energy, offering a sharp counterpoint to Brigadoon’s idyllic harmony. Opposite him, his father Archie (Norman Bowman) brought a quiet, heartfelt presence, grounding the turmoil with a touch of tenderness.
Nic Myers delivered another standout turn, bringing both vocal sparkle and comic timing to a dazzling rendition of The Love of My Life. As the irrepressible, man-eating Meg, she was a force of nature, her antics perfectly matched by Cavan Clarke’s dry, world-weary Jeff.
Danielle Fiamanya, sharing the role of Fiona with Georgina Onuorah, delivered a polished acting performance. Her warm, powerful middle and lower vocal range proved more effective than her upper register. Louis Gaunt’s portrayal of Tommy embodied the archetypal American and was both sensitive and nuanced, again with vocals strongest in the lower registers.
This production of Brigadoon, though, deserves full marks for some fabulous and creative choreography from Artistic Director Drew McOnie, with brilliant ensemble dancing bringing things to life. Highlights included a striking sword dance, spirited Scottish reels, and a quirky blindfold pas de deux performed by Jean and Charli. Chrissy Brooke also delivered an evocative solo as Maggie during the poignant moment when Harry’s body is returned to the village by his grieving father.
With last night’s performance gently punctuated by rain showers, it was easy to feel transported into another world. A little bit of magic is what makes Brigadoon so special.
02 August – 20 September 2025
Open Air Theatre,
Inner Circle,
Regent’s Park,
London, NW1 4NU
www.openairtheatre.com
Looking for something different? Check our previews of Off West End London Theatre for the Autumn and Winter 2025
Leave a Reply