No longer booking
  • Venue Soho Theatre, London
  • Performance dates Booking to 24 January 2026
  • Running time 45 minutes (no interval)

Book tickets now for David Ireland’s razor-sharp comedy Most Favoured, playing at Soho Theatre from 11 December 2025 to 24 January 2026.

This 45-minute one-act play is the perfect festive theatre treat – provocative, hilarious and brilliantly performed by Lauren Lyle (Outlander, Karen Pirie, Vigil) and Alexander Arnold (Skins, Poldark). Directed by Soho Theatre Associate Director Max Elton, Most Favoured offers an unmissable slice of alternative Christmas entertainment in the heart of London.

Why you’ll love Most Favoured

  • A bold and witty new play from David Ireland (Ulster American).
  • Starring two of the UK’s most exciting young actors, Lauren Lyle and Alexander Arnold.
  • A fast, funny and fearless 45-minute performance, perfect for pre-dinner or post-shopping theatre this Christmas.

About the show

Award-winning playwright David Ireland delivers a darkly funny and provocative new one-act play that flips expectations with wit and daring. Most Favoured drops audiences into the messy intimacy of two strangers colliding — sparking a sharp, surprising conversation about secrets, identity and connection. With its mix of outrageous humour and emotional bite, this is Ireland at his most entertaining and uncompromising.

Most Favoured - Lauren Lyle and Alexander Arnold. Photo by Lucas Wilson
Most Favoured – Lauren Lyle and Alexander Arnold. Photo by Lucas Wilson

Mary’s been sleeping with strangers across Scotland for eight months. Tonight’s conquest: Mike, an American tourist who’s never heard of KFC.

After the best sex of her life, she tells him what she’s been hiding.

Then he tells her what he’s been hiding.

Sign-up for booking alerts, offers & news about Most Favoured and other shows:

Performance Information

Check booking calendar for full details


Stars and Creatives

Who is in the cast of Most Favoured?

Starring Lauren Lyle as Mary and Alexander Arnold as Mike.

Who are the creative team of Most Favoured?

  • Written by David Ireland.
  • Directed by Max Elton.
  • Set & Costume Design – Ceci Calf.
  • Lighting Design – Amy Daniels.
  • Sound Design – Marcus Rice.
  • Produced by Sarah Roy (19th Street Productions) and María Inés Olmedo Projects in association with Soho Theatre.

Venue Information

Soho Theatre , 21 Dean Street, London, W1D 3NE

Nearest Tube or Train: Tottenham Court Road

Nearest Buses: 38, 14, 19, N19, N38

Directions

Google Apple

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Favoured is playing at the Soho Theatre in London
The running time of Most Favoured is 45 minutes (no interval)
Yes, Most Favoured has matinee performances on the following days: Saturday
No, sorry, Most Favoured has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.