The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess

The Gershwin's Porgy and Bess is a diligent and respectful adaptation by Suzan-Lori Parke and Diedre L. Murray that retains the essence of the original, classic 1935 opera, while giving a contemporary spin to its dialogue and racial characterisation. 

It also opts for a more intimate scale of production, which further helps to make the show fresh and accessible to modern musical theatre audiences, a fact borne out by the two Tony Awards it won in 2012, including Best Revival of a Musical.

A powerful tale of love and betrayal, it's the story of crippled beggar Porgy, who devotes himself body and soul to taming his wild love Bess and saving her from a life of ruin. Yet, despite Porgy's best efforts, new beginnings give way to temptation as Bess is haunted by the demons of her past.

Every one of the show's songs is a monumental standard, including I Got Plenty Of Nothing, It Ain't Necessarily So, I Loves You Porgy and the poignantly beautiful Summertime, an icon of the Great American Songbook. 

Weather Policy

The auditorium and stage are completely uncovered. Regent's Park Open Air Theatre will make every effort to complete the performance, and reserves the right to stop and start the action as necessary. Performances are never cancelled or abandoned before the advertised starting time and then only in the event of very bad weather. 

If cancellation or abandonment is unavoidable, ticket holders will be entitled to equivalent seats for any other performance in the main repertoire (excludes one-off comedy, music and film events), subject to availability. Refunds are not given for cancellation or abandonment as a result of the weather. In any event, personal arrangements including travel, accommodation or hospitality relating to the event which have been arranged by you are at your own risk and not refundable by us.

Where tickets were purchased at a promotional rate, alternative performances will still be offered but may be restricted. Music, comedy and film events (which are one-off events and not part of the main repertoire) take place regardless of weather conditions.