Witness a play by 2-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Lynn Nottage, that explores the numerous elements of race, identity, humanity, and politics. Watch friendships disintegrate and racial tensions escalate as businesses put friends against each other along with the decline of the American Dream.
Why Watch Sweat
Why Watch Sweat
The director of Sweat is Lynn Nottage, a Pulitzer Prize-winning screenwriter and playwright, who is well known for her portrayal of the marginalized and neglected parts of society while backing it up with substantial research. Spending more than 2 years interviewing the occupants of a town named Reading Pennsylvania, which has the highest percentage of residents below the poverty line, Nottage was able to understand the economic instability that shook the little town of Reading. The play went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2017.
A sellout success at the Donmar Theatre, Sweat has been critically acclaimed for its portrayal of the effect of industrialization and automation on the livelihood of people. Going into the very heart of the working class population of the United States, the play partially explains the result of the 2016 United States presidential election. Discover the mindset of the occupants of the region and the shift in their relationships with each other as a result of industrialization unraveling their lives.
The Story
The story begins with three friends sitting in a local bar. As they discuss various topics, the dynamics of the town are seen. The story shifts to a series of events that had occurred eight years earlier, and the life of the working class people. Promotions, pay cuts, and strikes are discussed, with almost all of the residents working at the mill or the plant. Once comfortable and satisfied with their lives, the residents of Reading Pennsylvania find their jobs taken over by automation. As hard times approach, the lines between friendship and enmity, love and hate and equality and prejudice are blurred. The timeline jumps from 2000 to 2008 several times through the play, and the transformation from a happy and content town to a uber competitive and cutthroat environment can be seen. Follow the story of the occupants of this town, as they come to terms with the new state of affairs.
Good for
Fans of Fact-Based Plays | Lovers of Social Dramas
Critics Reviews
Breathtaking drama about life in the American rustbelt.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
Reviews
Know Before You Go
Know Before You Go
Show Details
Show Timings
| Mon - Sat | 7:30 PM | Thu & Sat (Matinee) | 2:30 PM |
Duration
2h 25m
Leading Roles
Leanne Best as Jessie
Patrick Gibson as Jason
Osy Ikhile as Chris
Wil Johnson as Brucie
Directed by
Lynette Linton
Written by
Lynn Nottage
Additional Information
Audience
TBC
Available Facilities
In-house bar
Wheelchair Accessible
Coat Check
Seating
The Gielgud Theatre has a seating capacity of 956, 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 West End.
Dress Code
Smart and casual wear is recommended. Keep in mind, the theatre is air conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly.
My tickets
My tickets
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