Witness one of Shakespeare’ best-known plays, as Gregory Doran of the Royal Shakespeare Company brings it back to life at West End! Exploring the themes of judgment and punishment, the play suggests that one must treat others as they would like to be treated themselves. At the end of the play, ask yourself: Can a person in a position of power judge another even if they aren’t morally superior?
Why Watch Measure for Measure
Why Watch Measure for Measure
A play that was written in the early 1600s but still relevant today, Measure for Measure is a dynamic drama that explores virtue, punishment, and atonement. Gregory Doran, the Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company is in charge of the direction of the play. He has been hailed as ‘one of the great Shakespearians of his generation’, and is primarily known for his numerous stage adaptations of Shakespeare.
Sandy Grierson does a stellar job as Angelo, and he portrays the character as someone who secretly scourges himself and struggles with Freudian repression. Lucy Phelps brings forth an unyielding and sensible Isabella, who is determined to save her brother. Measure for Measure has now transferred to the Barbican, following a sell-out and critically acclaimed run. Enjoy a spectacular evening of black comedy, as you catch a gripping play by the world’s greatest playwright!
The Story
Vincentio, the Duke of Vienna, leaves the city on an important diplomatic assignment and leaves the government in the hands of a trusted and strict judge, Lord Angelo. The Duke, however, has not actually left the city but uses the pretence of a diplomatic mission to spy on Angelo and his methods of running the government. The Duke dresses up as a friar and observes the happening around him quietly. Angelo’s strict and “moral” values cause him to outlaw unlawful sexual activity, including brothels, based on a long-forgotten law that he has reinstated. To his misfortune, Claudio is caught in a brothel and is sentenced to death.
Claudio’s sister, Isabella, a novice nun, is desperate to save her brother from the gallows. She gets an audience with Angelo and pleads for the release of her brother. As soon as Angelo sets his eyes on Isabella, he lusts after her, and offers her a horrifying deal: if Isabella yields her virginity to Angelo, he promises to spare Claudio. Isabella is horrified at this prospect and instantly refuses, threatening to expose his lechery. Will anyone believe Isabella’s accusations, or will Angelo's strict and moral facade precede it? Will the Duke play any part in thwarting Angelo’s evil intentions?
Good For
Date Night | Fans of Shakespeare | Lovers of Dark Comedies
Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Know Before You Go
Know Before You Go
Show Details
The show will run for a limited season from 12 November 2019 to 16 January 2020.
Show Timings
| Available dates (check calendar) | 7:15 PM | Matinee on 16th and 28th of November, the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 30th of December, and the 8th, 9th and 11th of January | 1:15 PM |
There is also an audio-described and captioned performance on the 14th of December at 1:15 PM. A BSL-interpreted talk show will be held on the 14th of January, 2020 after the show.
Leading Roles
James Cooney as Claudio
Sandy Grierson as Angelo
Antony Byrne as Duke Vincentio
Directed by
Gregory Doran
Music by
Paul Englishby
Lighting Design by
Simon Spenser
Additional Information
Duration
2 hours & 50 minutes with 1 intermission
Available Facilities
Wheelchair Accessible
In-house Bar
Coat Check
Seating
The Barbican Theatre has a seating capacity of nearly 1158 across 4 sections.
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 the Theater District.
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.
Important Information
Photo and video recording are not allowed during the show.
My tickets
My tickets
You will receive an email confirmation along with your mobile voucher shortly after you book the tickets. You will need to display a photo ID along with your voucher at the Theatre's Box Office to collect your tickets.
Theatre Address
Barbican, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS
Getting There
By Bus: Take bus lines 153 and get off at the Silk Street station. The theatre is a short 2-minute walk from this bus stop.
By Tube: Take the Underground to Barbican Station. The theatre is a short 5-minute walk from this station.
Validity
This ticket is valid for the date and time selected at the time of booking.
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