The Real Thing Tickets
About The Real Thing
Head to the Old Vic to experience one of Tom Stoppard’s most famous plays, The Real Thing, in an exciting new revival. Book The Real Thing tickets on TodayTix.
Don’t miss seeing the talented cast starring James McArdle (Mare of Easttown, The Tragedy of Macbeth) and Bel Powley (A Small Light, The Morning Show). The cast also includes Oliver Johnstone, Susan Wokoma, Daniel Baskharoun, Jack Ambrose, Peter Eastland, Oyin Orija, Rilwan Abiola Owokoniran, Mahaila Palmer, and Karise Yansen.
Together, the ensemble tells the story of Henry, a married playwright, and Annie, an actress, who fall in love. Through layers of fact and fiction and a play within the play, the show explores themes of reality versus appearance, love, and infidelity.
Run time
2hr 20min. Incl. 1 interval.
Start date
22nd August, 2024
End date
26th October, 2024
Categories
Venue
Age
Ages 14+.
Venue
Directions
Location: West End
Railway station: Waterloo
Bus numbers: (Waterloo Road) 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 521, X68; (Mepham Street) 211, 243, 507
Night bus numbers: (Waterloo Road) 139, 176, 188, N1, N68, N171; (Mepham Street) 243
Car park: Waterloo Station (4mins)
Directions from tube: (7mins) Take Mepham Street (100 metres) down to Waterloo Road. Turn right on Waterloo Road, but keep left as the theatre is 100 metres further along on the opposite corner.
More information about The Real Thing
The Real Thing in London has an exceptional creative team with Tony and Olivier-winning director Max Webster (Life of Pi) at the helm. In a statement, Webster said, "The Real Thing has always been one of my favorite plays, and it's a great honor to be directing it at one of my favorite theatres, The Old Vic, with this extraordinary cast."
The creative team also includes lighting designer Richard Howell (Passing Strange), sound designer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite (Bloody Elle), and Olivier-winning set ahd costume designer Peter McKintosh (Crazy For You).
The Real Thing is a play that premiered in London in 1982; it was an instant success, winning an Evening Standard Award for Best Play. There have been numerous stagings in London and New York since then, including in 1984 when it won a Tony Award for Best Play and in 2000 when it won a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.
What to watch for
- Two cast members, Jack Ambrose and Mahaila Palmer, are making their professional debuts in The Real Thing.
- Art critic Michael Billington has written that The Real Thing is one of the 101 greatest plays.
- The original West End production of The Real Thing starred Roger Rees and Felicity Kendal.
- The original Broadway performances starred Glenn Close and Jeremy Irons, who both won Tony Awards for their roles. Christine Baranski, who played Charlotte, also won a Tony Award.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Real Thing about?
Tom Stoppard’s, The Real Thing, returns to the London stage starring James McArdle (Mare of Easttown, The Tragedy of Macbeth) and Bel Powley (A Small Light, The Morning Show) as the married playwright and actress who fall in love.
Which theatre is The Real Thing at?
The Real Thing is at London's Old Vic, which is located at 103 The Cut, London, SE1 8NB.
What is the running time of The Real Thing?
The Real Thing runs for 2hr 20min. Incl. 1 interval.
How do you get tickets for The Real Thing?
Check the top of this page for current availability and exclusive offers on The Real Thing tickets on TodayTix.
What is the age recommendation for The Real Thing?
Ages 14+.
How much are tickets for The Real Thing?
The Real Thing tickets start at £25.
Who wrote The Real Thing?
The play is written by Tom Stoppard.
Who directed The Real Thing?
Max Webster directs the show.
Is The Real Thing appropriate for kids?
The Real Thing is ideal for children ages 14 and above as there are some strong language and sexual themes within the play.
Is The Real Thing good?
Since The Real Thing premiered in 1982, it’s been a critical and audience success, earning numerous awards and having many revivals staged in London and New York. This exciting new revival includes an excellent cast and creative team starring James McArdle (Mare of Easttown, The Tragedy of Macbeth) and Bel Powley (A Small Light, The Morning Show).
Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.