The Duchess Tickets
About The Duchess
Don’t miss Jodie Whittaker, star of Doctor Who and Broadchurch, returning to the stage for the first time in over a decade in The Duchess. Book The Duchess tickets on TodayTix.
See the tale of patriarchy and resistance as the Duchess (played by Whittaker) bravely pushes back against her patriarchal brothers following her husband’s death. She chooses to live the life she desires as she begins to style her hair how she wishes, wears the clothing she wants, and eventually marries below her social class. As the Duchess says, “I am utterly and always myself.” However, when her brothers find out about the marriage, the Duchess is forced to endure their cruel punishments, but will their punishments have repercussions?
This brilliant and impactful show first premiered in 2019 at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh. The play was met with numerous positive reviews, including a 4-star review from the Guardian and a 4-star review from The Stage that called the play “Slick and streamlined, a towering adaptation.”
Run time
2hr 30min. Incl. 1 interval.
Venue
Categories
Age
Ages 14+.
Start date
5th October, 2024
End date
20th December, 2024
Stars on stage
Jodie Whittaker
Venue
Directions
Location: West End
Railway station: Charing Cross
Bus numbers: (Whitehall) 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 88, 91, 159, 453; (Strand) 6, 9, 13, 15, 23, 29, 87, 139, 176
Night bus numbers: (Whitehall) 12, 24, 53, 88, 159, 453, N2, N3, N5, N11, N18, N20, N44, N52, N87, N91, N97, N109, N136, N155, N381 (Strand) 6, 23, 139, 176, N9, N13, N15, N21, N26, N29, N41, N47, N89, N279, N343, N551
Car park: The nearest Q-Park carpark is CHINATOWN, Newport Place WC2H 7PU.
Directions from tube: (5mins) Head left on the main road Strand. Follow Trafalgar Square around onto Whitehall and the theatre’s on your right.
More information about The Duchess
The Duchess in London is based on the classic play, The Duchess of Malfi, by John Webster, which was written in 1612-1613. The Jacobean tragedy was based in part on the real-life sixteenth-century Duchess of Amalfi, Giovanna d'Aragona. This adaptation is written by Zinnie Harris, an award-winning playwright known for her works spotlighting women, including an adaptation of Oresteia called This Restless House and her play, Meet Me at Dawn, which was inspired by the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Harris holds true to many key plot points in the original play while developing the show into a critique of the patriarchy and a tale of resistance.
"In this #MeToo age of feminist uprising in the face of toxic masculinity, now feels like the perfect time to revisit this incredible, brutal story of female determination in the face of patriarchal power," Harris said ahead of the 2019 show opening.
What to watch for
- The Duchess is a play adapted from The Duchess of Malfi. Numerous other adaptations have been made throughout the centuries, including for television, radio, and opera.
- Zinnie Harris, the writer and director of this play, has had her work staged in many countries, including South Africa, Sweden, Turkey, Italy, Slovenia, and the UK.
- The last time Jodie Whittaker was on the West End stage was in 2012 when she starred in Antigone.
- The use of projection and video in the play helps to elevate the story and set the tone in certain scenes.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Duchess about?
Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who, Broadchurch) takes the stage for the first time in over a decade in The Duchess, a tale of patriarchy and resistance adapted from John Webster’s, The Duchess of Malfi.
What is the running time of The Duchess?
The Duchess runs for 2hr 30min. Incl. 1 interval.
How do you get tickets for The Duchess?
Check the top of this page for current availability and exclusive offers on The Duchess tickets on TodayTix.
Which theatre is The Duchess at?
The Duchess is at London's Trafalgar Theatre, which is located at 14 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2DY.
What is the age recommendation for The Duchess?
Ages 14+.
Who wrote The Duchess?
Zinnie Harris wrote the adaptation, and John Webster wrote the original play, The Duchess of Malfi.
Who directed The Duchess?
Zinnie Harris directs the show.
Is The Duchess appropriate for kids?
The Duchess is ideal for children ages 12 and above; the show explores topics related to patriarchy, violence, and abuse that may not be suitable for young children.
Is The Duchess good?
The Duchess is a wonderful adaptation of the classic Jacobean tragedy, The Duchess of Malfi. This play, adapted for a modern audience, is a tale of resistance and seeking freedom from oppression. The play has been well received by both critics and audiences, and this staging stars Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who, Broadchurch) in her return to the stage after more than a decade.
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