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The Real Thing Tickets

Passion ignites and truth unravels in Tom Stoppard's award-winning play. The Real Thing, returns to the West End, starring James McArdle and Bel Powley.

Why watch The Real Thing

One of Guardian's 101 greatest plays, The Real Thing returns to the West End stage, boasting a powerhouse cast led by James McArdle, renowned for his role in Angels in America, and the award-winning Bel Powley, recipient of the Cannes Film Festival’s Trophée Chopard. Max Webster, the Olivier and Tony Award-winning director behind the critically acclaimed productions of Life of Pi and Macbeth, brings his masterful touch to this witty play. First performed in 1982, the play quickly garnered critical acclaim, winning the prestigious Evening Standard Award for Best Play. This play is renowned for its witty wordplay and layered exploration of love's complexities – book your tickets and see if "The Real Thing" exists for you!

The story

Playwright Henry and actress Annie ignite with undeniable chemistry, but a shocking truth throws everything into disarray: they're both already married. Their secret affair becomes a tangled web of desire and deception, blurring the lines between reality and the characters they portray on stage. As their relationship deepens, the complexities of honesty and commitment threaten to tear them apart. Will Henry and Annie find solace in their passionate connection, or will societal pressures and the ghosts of their pasts ultimately destroy their chance at true love?

Great for

Classic play enthusiasts | Date night | Tom Stoppard fans

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Show Details

Genre: Play

Audience: Suitable for 14+

Theater Name: Old Vic Theater

Theater Capacity: 1,067

Find the best seats in the house with the Old Vic Theater seating plan

Theater facilities: Toilets, bar, cloakroom

Theater accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, assistive listening system, guide dogs allowed

Dress Code: Smart casual

Cast & Crew

Leading Roles: James McArdle as Henry, Bel Powley as Annie

Director: Max Webster

Writer: Tom Stoppard

Additional Tips

  • Most theaters are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.

  • This production uses mature themes and language. Parental discretion is advised.

  • 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.

  • You will receive an email with your The Real Thing voucher. Please display the same on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID.
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