Headout logo. Link to home.
Help
Plays

Sweat Tickets

Group of people participating in the Sweat fitness tour in London, exercising outdoors near iconic landmarks

Duration

1 hr

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.

  • 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.

    The Guardian

  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • How do we collect reviews?

    4.6
    18 ratings
    5/5
    14
    4/5
    3
    3/5
    0
    2/5
    0
    1/5
    1

    Lucie Salaun Carney

    Lucie

    Jun, 2019Verified booking

    5/5
    Convenience and ease
  • 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.

  • You will receive an email with your voucher. You may display your voucher on your mobile phone. Please carry a valid photo ID for identification.

Similar experiences you'd love

Free cancellation
Tower of London with White Tower and medieval fortress walls, United Kingdom.
Landmarks
Instant confirmation
4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5.0 from 16689 ratings.
from
£35.80
Free cancellation
River cruise boat on the Thames passing the London Eye and Big Ben, part of the London Sightseeing Cruise.
Sightseeing Cruises
Instant confirmation
4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5.0 from 3633 ratings.
from £16.95
£13.95
18% off
Free cancellation
Flying Fish Ride at Thorpe Park with families enjoying the roller coaster.
Theme Parks
Instant confirmation
4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5.0 from 91 ratings.
from
£32
Devil Wears Prada London
Musicals
Instant confirmation
4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5.0 from 703 ratings.
from
£31.25
Phantom of the Opera performance at Her Majesty's Theatre, London stage scene.
Musicals
Instant confirmation
4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5.0 from 5776 ratings.
from
£30
Download app section background

We've served 39 million+ guests and we are here for you

39 million+

Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences

In the media

Featured and recommended by the best brands

24 x 7 help center

Have a question? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime