Once in regent's park

Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens' bittersweet musical based on Rosa Guy's Carribean retelling of The Little Mermaid comes to life courtesy of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre this summer, directed by Ola Ince and starring Gabrille Brooks. First premiering in 1990, this fairytale musical went on to win critical acclaim on Broadway, and an Olivier Award when it transferred to London in 1994.

In this immersive experience, audiences are swept away with the emotions of the story. Awash with color, a fantastic score and a story that has transcended time, Once On This Island is the ultimate feel-good musical whilst providing a social message that everyone could heed.

What's Once On This Island about?

Taking place on Haiti in the early 20th century, the population of this small island is split between the darker-skinned 'peasants' and the lighter-skinned wealthier population. In a sudden flash flood, a young girl (Ti Moune) is washed away, however, the island gods look kindly upon her and save her life, cementing her important destiny.

Years later, Ti Moune's destiny comes to fruition as she rescues a young rich man from a similar situation that befell her in her childhood. However, Ti Moune has a choice, in order to save this young man's life she must trade her soul...