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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
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
Cancellation policy
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Know before you go
Know before you go
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
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Most theaters are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.
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This production uses mature themes and language. Parental discretion is advised.
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Audio Described Performance: Friday 11 October, 7:30pm (Touch Tour 5:30pm).
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Relaxed (also Audio Described, BSL, and Captioned): Saturday 12 October, 2:30pm .
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Captioned: Monday 14 October, 7:30pm.
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British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted: Thursday 17 October, 7:30pm.
My tickets
My tickets
- 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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