
Duration
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 reviews4.1
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.
94510What our guests say
Kylie
Oct 2024Verified booking4/5Tuli
Oct 2024Verified booking3/5Scot
Oct 2024Verified booking5/5Willem
Oct 2024Verified booking5/5Roberta
Oct 2024Verified booking3/5
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
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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.
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- 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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