The unmissable shows Imperium I & II, based on the bestselling Cicero Novels by Robert Harris, are now playing for a limited period in the West End. This series has been adapted for the stage by Tony nominee Mike Poulton and produced by one of the top theatre productions in the world, the Royal Shakespeare Company. The legendary Gielgud Theatre London, famous for having hosted many successful musicals since 1906, is home to the Imperium shows. Imperium is a series of two historical thrillers, which can be watched as independent shows or together. Here’s a handy guide to help you with all you want to know about Imperium and to find ways to get discounted Imperium London tickets.
About the Show
Imperium I: Conspirator and Imperium II: Dictator are a thrilling portrayal of bloody and brutal political view of ancient Rome. Directed by Gregory Doran, and featuring Olivier and Tony Award-winner Richard McCabe as Cicero and Joseph Kloska as Tiro, the plays are a must watch, especially for historical fiction fans. The shows follow Rome’s greatest orator, Cicero, along his journey of conquests and adversities in that entangled political era of Rome. Imperium I: Conspirator illustrates how despite the initial success of Cicero, the turn of events led to total brutal chaos and almost the end of the Roman Republic. Imperium II: Dictator portrays the struggle of restoring power from the lawless civic mob, their would-be Emperor Julius Caesar, and establishing peace.
A challenging story of power struggle, betrayal, civil wars, and uprising through personal highs and lows, the Imperium series keeps the audience at the edge of their seats.
Also, here’s a handy link for Imperium I and Imperium II to the seat availability and real time prices for different seats/dates for Imperium West End on Headout.
The Story
Imperium I: Conspirator
This story revolves around the rise and fall of Cicero, one of the best known orators and Statesman of Rome. Cicero becomes the President of Roman Republic, defeating his arch aristocratic rival Catiline. Furious, Catiline vows to destroy Cicero. Catiline; Julius Caesar, a young, ruthless, power hungry senator; Clodius, a vicious playboy; and many others hatch many conspiracies and plots to kill Cicero and takeover Rome by force. What transpires as a result is a bloody civil war, complete breakdown of law and order, street gangs ruling Rome, and the Republic in Rome coming to a gruesome end.
Imperium II: Dictator
The story begins with the assassination of Julius Caesar by Decimus, Brutus, and Cassius. Riots and mayhem break up in the streets of Rome. However the assassins begin to dither, and Mark Antony, a powerful consul of Caesar emerges as a military dictator of Rome. As there are abetment and conspiracies doing the rounds once again, Cicero, who had retired from politics, looks at it as an opportunity to restore the Republic in Rome. He forms an alliance with Octavian, the adopted son of Julius Caesar to win the support of people. Little does Cicero realise that this young man will turn out to be a bigger danger than his late father.
Imperium Reviews
““Imperium” builds Rome in a day... it plays like a grand history cycle: the errors of one era give rise to those of the next. It might be set in antiquity, but contemporary resonance is close at hand.”
– Variety
“The pleasingly uncluttered approach allows us to focus on the plays’ high-octane rhetoric of power and masculinity.”
– The Standard
About the Show
Show Details
Show Timings
Part I: Conspirator
Mondays and Thursdays: 7 PM
Wednesdays and Saturdays: 1:30 PM
Part II: Dictator
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 7 PM
Duration
Part I: 2 hours and 55 minutes, with two 15-minute intervals
Part II: 2 hours and 40 minutes, with two 15-minute intervals
Leading Roles
Richard McCabe as Cicero
Joseph Kloska as Tiro
Joe Dixon as Catiline
Peter de Jersey as Caesar
Written and adapted by
Mike Poulton
Directed by
Gregory Doran
Additional Information
Audience
Suitable for ages 12 and up. Kids under 3 are not allowed into the theatre.
Available Facilities
Wheelchair accessible
In-house bar
Coat check
Seating
The Gielgud Theatre has a seating capacity of 940. You can find the seating plan here.
Outside Food
Strictly prohibited. If you'd like to grab a meal before or after the show, check out our guide to the 30 Best Restaurants in West End.
Dress Code
Smart and casual wear is recommended. Keep in mind, the theater is air conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly.
Gielgud Theatre - Imperium I & II Ticket Prices
Imperium I: Conspirator
Starting from
Imperium II: Dictator
Starting from
Gielgud Theatre Seating Plan will help you find the best seats for Imperium on West End.
Imperium London Lottery, TKTS, Day Seats
Apart from getting Imperium tickets online, there are other ways to obtain West End tickets for cheap, such as:
TKTS: The TKTS booth obtains its inventory directly from the theatre based on availability, and sells them for cheap.
Imperium TKTS
LOTTERY: The winner takes it all! You can try your luck to obtain tickets for a performance on the same day at discounted rates!
Imperium Lottery
DAY TICKETS: These are tickets that are made available at the theatre on the day of the show.
Imperium Day Tickets
FAQs
Q: Is there a way to purchase TKTS tickets online, instead of waiting in line at the TKTS booths?
A: Unfortunately, no. The only way to purchase tickets is in person at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square.
Q:What is the age limit for this show?
A: The show is recommended for ages 12 and up. Kids under 3 are not allowed into the theatre.
Q: What time should I arrive at Gielgud theatre?
A: Doors open 45 minutes before show time. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before curtain.
Q: Can I take photographs or videos of the show?
A: The use of cameras (still and video) and sound recorders is not allowed inside the theatre.
Q: Is there a possibility that I will get partial view seating if I purchase discount tickets for Imperium?
A: When booking with Headout, you will get to select your specific seats, thus, ensuring you do not get stuck with partial view. However, if you opt to try and win lottery tickets, or purchase day seats, your seats will be allocated at the discretion of the Box Office, which can potentially mean partial view seating or split seats.
