Plays

The Real Thing Tickets

Name: The Real Thing
Brand: Headout
SKU: 28642
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.1 (19 reviews)

Duration

2 hr 20 min

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.

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

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

19 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Willem S
Solo
Verified booking
Oct 2024
Great performances, Great direction, good play
Roberta B
Solo
Verified booking
Oct 2024
Old Vic Nightmare cab. None in sight. Was told to go to Waterloo escalator, turn corner to taxi que. none in sight. Pitch dark. No one around. Creepy. Finally one arrived Never again None o the questions apply Was told taxis avail after performance Dozed off n didn't miss much
Dave B
Group
Verified booking
Sep 2024
Great cast, superb acting, great accents, excellent set design, interesting story.
Cole M
Couple
Verified booking
Sep 2024
The booking direct on phone with the theatre box office was a delight .the set was perfect so was the lighting and sound and stagehands .the acting stunning and gripping the theatre is beautiful and bar was quick - I have worked in theatre and seen so many shows - this was the best ever ! Of course the writing helped
Kylie W
Couple
Verified booking
Oct 2024

Show Details

Genre: Play

Audience: Suitable for 14+

Theater Name: Old Vic Theatre

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.