English
English
2 hr 20 min with interval
4
Roberta Purvis BarteeUnited kingdoms
Old Vic
Nightmare cab. None in sight. Was told to go to Waterloo escalator, turn corner to taxi que. none in sight. Pitch dark. No one around. Creepy. Finally one arrived
Never again
None o the questions apply
Was told taxis avail after performance
Dozed off n didn't miss much
The Real Thing
DURATION
CLOSING DATE
Until 26 October 2024
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 14+
AboutVenueTicketsReviews
Why watch The Real Thing?
- Tom Stoppard's iconic The Real Thing, regarded as his best play, returns to the West End for a strictly limited run.
- Max Webster, the genius behind the Tony and Olivier Award-winning Life of Pi, helms this revival with stars James McArdle and Bel Powley in the lead roles.
- The Guardian's theater critic Michael Billington called it one of the greatest plays ever written, praising its "intelligence, wit and emotional depth."
- Don't miss your chance to see McArdle, fresh off his Olivier-nominated performance, and Powley ignite the stage with their performance. Get your tickets today!
Decades after its debut, The Real Thing continues to be hailed as a theatrical masterpiece. Having won Best Play at the Tonys, Drama Desk Awards, and Evening Standard Awards in the past, this production will be led by James McArdle, known for Angels in America, and Bel Powley, winner of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival Trophée Chopard award. Director Max Webster, whose credits include Macbeth and Minority Report, is known for reimagining stories for the modern age, from Shakespeare to Seuss, so you can expect him to infuse Stoppard's timeless themes with a contemporary edge.
Storyline
Prepare to be swept away by a whirlwind of love, betrayal, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. The Real Thing follows a passionate romance between a playwright and an actress, their undeniable spark blossoming into a secret affair. But a shocking truth threatens to tear their world apart. As their love story unfolds, the boundaries between the characters they portray on stage and their own desires begin to crumble. Will their love survive the complexities of truth and deception, or will the search for "the real thing" leave them forever lost in a web of their own making?
Show timings
- Audio Described Performance: Friday 11 October, 7:30pm (Touch Tour 5:30pm).
- Relaxed (also Audio Described, BSL, and Captioned): Saturday 12 October, 2:30pm .
- Captioned: Monday 14 October, 7:30pm.
- British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted: Thursday 17 October, 7:30pm.
Cast & crew
- Leading Roles: James McArdle as Henry, Bel Powley as Annie
- Direction: Max Webster
- Playwright: Tom Stoppard
Note: Producers can not guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Age & content guide
- This show is recommended for ages 14+.
- This production uses mature themes and language. Parental discretion is advised.
- Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Old Vic TheatreRead more
Steeped in history, the Old Vic Theater is a London landmark captivating audiences since 1818. Originally a venue for melodramas, it transformed under visionary leaders like Emma Cons and Lilian Baylis. Cons championed socially conscious plays, while Baylis made it a Shakespearean powerhouse. Today, it's a haven for diverse productions, from classics like Oedipus starring Rami Malek to comedies like Groundhog Day. The Victorian facade hints at its rich past, while the semi-circular auditorium with its tiered seating ensures every patron gets a glimpse of the magic unfolding onstage.
Seating Capacity: 1,067
The Old Vic Theater Seating Plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Facilities & accessibility
Available Facilities: Bar, gift shop, toilets
Accessibility: Accessible toilets, assistance dogs allowed, wheelchair spaces available in all sections, assistive listening system
Additional information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside Food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets redemption
- You’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
Ratings & reviews
4
20 Ratings
9
4
5
2
0
RobertaOct, 2024
Old Vic Nightmare cab. None in sight. Was told to go to Waterloo escalator, turn corner to taxi que. none in sight. Pitch dark. No one around. Creepy. Finally one arrived Never again None o the questions apply Was told taxis avail after performance Dozed off n didn't miss much
coleSep, 2024
The booking direct on phone with the theatre box office was a delight .the set was perfect so was the lighting and sound and stagehands .the acting stunning and gripping the theatre is beautiful and bar was quick - I have worked in theatre and seen so many shows - this was the best ever ! Of course the writing helped
WillemOct, 2024
Great performances, Great direction, good play
DaveSep, 2024
Great cast, superb acting, great accents, excellent set design, interesting story.
KylieOct, 2024
Frequently asked questions about The Real Thing
How much do The Real Thing Play tickets cost?
The cost of The Real Thing Play tickets starts from £28 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
What is the opening date for The Real Thing?
The Real Thing opens on 22nd August 2024 at the Old Vic Theater in London.
What age is The Real Thing appropriate for?
The play is most suitable for individuals aged 14 and above.
Where is The Real Thing playing in London?
The Real Thing is playing at the Old Vic Theater in London.
What is The Real Thing about?
The Real Thing is a comedy about love and infidelity that explores the fleeting nature of reality. The story centers on Henry, a playwright, and Annie, an actress, who have an affair before marrying each other and repeating history.
How long does The Real Thing run for?
The running time of The Real Thing is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission.
Who are the main stars of The Real Thing?
The main stars of The Real Thing are James McArdle playing Henry and Bel Powley playing Annie.