Plays

The Tempest Tickets

Tim Crouch reimagines Shakespeare’s The Tempest at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, with a haunting blend of storytelling, illusion, and power, where four souls retell a storm that reshaped their fate.

4.6/5(20)

David J

Couple

Verified booking

Mar 2026

The biggest surprise was at the beginning when the women was told to put the phone away. She looked guilty and I was completely fooled. Atmosphere was one of kind and I loved the interaction with the audience.

Shakespeare’s The Tempest transforms into an intimate, story-driven exploration of desire, revenge, and myth, appealing to lovers of classic drama expressed through bold contemporary vision.

The play is directed by award-winning Tim Crouch (I, Malvolio, An Oak Tree), with Naomi Wirthner leading the cast and Rachana Jadhav’s design shaping this new staging.

Themes of power, freedom, memory, and magic unfold through candlelit staging, atmospheric design, and Orlando Gough’s composition.

This new production is staged at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, supported by Crouch’s inventive approach and the Globe’s reputation. Book The Tempest London tickets today!

The story

Set on a remote island shaped by shipwrecks, betrayal, and lingering magic, The Tempest play follows Prospero, Miranda, Ariel, and Caliban as they relive a storm that altered their futures. Isolated for years, they retell their story through longing, anger, hope, and illusion. As conjured figures and memories blur into ritual, the boundaries between truth and imagination thin. Whether redemption or repetition awaits them becomes the island’s unresolved question.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

20 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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Guests from United States, Canada, France and over 7 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
David J
Couple
Verified booking
Mar 2026
The biggest surprise was at the beginning when the women was told to put the phone away. She looked guilty and I was completely fooled. Atmosphere was one of kind and I loved the interaction with the audience.
Roberta B
Group
Verified booking
Feb 2026
Very, very engaging, the old-style wooden theater lit by candlelight was a truly wonderful experience. Even though I had standing room tickets, the three hours flew by. The only downside was the ending time, at 9 p.m., when all the bars and restaurants were closed, but it was still worth skipping dinner! The a cappella music was top notch!
Carolien P
Couple
Verified booking
Feb 2026
The atmosphere in the candlelit theatre is an experience in itself. The play is absolutely wonderful as well so we will definitely be back!
Minjoo K
Solo
Verified booking
Mar 2026
It was amazing to watch the play at such a historical place.
Imme H
Solo
Verified booking
Feb 2026
Shakespearetext and the theatre

Show details

Categories: Play, Shakespeare, Classic, Drama, Critics’ choice

Theater name: Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

Find the best seats in the house with the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse seating plan

Theater facilities: Bar, restrooms, cloakroom, foyer seating, merchandise kiosk

Theater accessibility: Step-free access to the foyer, accessible toilets, limited wheelchair spaces, companion seating, induction loops, and accessible routes to designated seating areas

Dress code: Smart casual

Cast & crew

Leading roles: Tim Crouch as Prospero, and Naomi Wirthner as Ariel

Director: Tim Crouch

Producer: Shakespeare’s Globe

Playwright: William Shakespeare

Composer: Orlando Gough

Set designer: Rachana Jadhav

Movement director: Tanaka Bingwa

Associate director: Justina Kehinde

Additional info

Content warning: The production references to colonialism and enslavement.

Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!

Most theaters are air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly. Bring along a light jacket if needed.

Frequently asked questions about The Tempest

Q: How much do The Tempest London tickets cost?

A: Prices vary depending on the choice of seats and performance dates.

Q: Where is The Tempest playing in London?

A: The show is playing at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare's Globe.

Q: What is the play about?

A: It follows Prospero, Miranda, Ariel, and Caliban as they relive a storm of betrayal, magic, and desire on an isolated island.

Q: What makes this production unique?

A: It is staged entirely by candlelight, combining ritualistic storytelling, minimalism, and imaginative staging specific to the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.

Q: Does this version follow Shakespeare’s original text?

A: It retains Shakespeare’s structure and themes but uses a contemporary theatrical framing to explore memory and retelling.

Q: Is The Tempest connected to real historical references?

A: While fictional, the story draws on early modern debates around power, colonialism, and authorship, all explored within this production’s modern lens.