No longer booking
  • Venue Old Vic, London
  • Performance dates Booking to 26 October 2024
  • Running time 2 hours 20 minutes (including interval)
  • Age guidelines 14+

Book The Real Thing tickets at The Old Vic this Summer.

James McArdle (Mare of Easttown, The Tragedy of Macbeth) and Bel Powley (A Small Light, The Morning Show) star in Tom Stoppard’s captivating comedy of love, infidelity and the stories we tell.

Max Webster, acclaimed for Macbeth starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo and his thrilling production of Life of Pi, directs this major London revival at The Old Vic.

The cast also includes Susan Wokoma (Cheaters, Enola Holmes) and Oliver Johnstone (All My Sons, Henry V).

The Real Thing runs from 22 August to 26 October 2024 at The Old Vic theatre London. Book your tickets today.

‘There are no commitments, only bargains.’

Annie is an actress, Henry is a playwright, and fiction the backdrop to life. Hardly a recipe for a faithful marriage, especially when it started as an affair.

But does it matter how it began if what they have is the real thing?

Sign-up for booking alerts, offers & news about The Real Thing and other shows:

Photos

Performance Information

Check booking calendar for full details

Stars and Creatives

James McArdle
James McArdle

Who is in the cast of The Real Thing?

Starring James McArdle as Henry, Bel Powley as Annie, Susan Wokoma as Charlotte, Oliver Johnstone as Max, Jack Ambrose as Brodie, Rilwan Abiola Owokoniran as Billy, and Karise Yansen as Debbie.

Who are the creative team of The Real Thing?

Written by Tom Stoppard, Directed by Max Webster.

Peter McKintosh (Set & Costume), Richard Howell (Lighting), Alexandra Faye Braithwaite (Sound), Chi-San Howard (Movement), Jessica Ronane CDG (Casting), Charlie Hughes-D’Aeth (Voice), Ingrid Mackinnon (Intimacy), Lilac Yosiphon (Baylis Assistant Director), Poppy Hall (Costume Supervisor), Carole Hancock (Wigs, Hair & Make-Up Supervisor) and Jamie Owens (Props Supervisor).

Important Notes

Access Performances:
British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted: 17 Oct, 7:30pm; Captioned: 14 Oct, 7:30pm; Relaxed (also Audio Described, BSL & Captioned): 12 Oct, 2:30pm; Audio Described: Fri 11 Oct, 7:30pm (Touch Tour 5:30pm)

Venue Information

Old Vic , Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8NB

Nearest Tube or Train: Waterloo (Jubilee line, Northern line, Bakerloo line)

Nearest Buses: 1, 68, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 501

Directions

Google Apple

Critics' reviews of The Real Thing

★★★★ "It's impossible not to be carried away by the brio of the whole thing... Webster and his cast play a blinder" - Evening Standard

★★★★ "Tom Stoppard’s greatest play is worth it... McArdle triumphs" - The Times

★★★★ "Tom Stoppard’s dazzling comedy" - Financial Times

★★★★ "A stupendous performance from James McArdle powers this revival of Stoppard’s chaotically brilliant play about love" - TimeOut

★★★★ "A sophisticated and enjoyable revival" - What's On Stage

★★★★ "Tom Stoppard’s gem still shines" - The Guardian

★★★★ "James McArdle is irresistible in this witty revival at the Old Vic" - The Sunday Times

Also see: The Real Thing Reviews Round-up

Frequently Asked Questions

The Real Thing is playing at the Old Vic in London
The running time of The Real Thing is 2 hours 20 minutes (including interval)
The age recommendations for The Real Thing are: 14+
Yes, The Real Thing has matinee performances on the following days: Thursday, Saturday
No, sorry, The Real Thing has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.

News about The Real Thing

More Great Shows

See all