- Venue Hampstead Theatre, London
- Performance dates Booking to 21 March 2026
- Age guidelines 14+
The world premiere of Bird Grove by Olivier Award-winning playwright Alexi Kaye Campbell is about much-loved English writer George Eliot, in an exploration of family ties and self-determination.
Alexi Kaye Campbell’s witty and topical new play at Hampstead Theatre questions how we can live alongside those we disagree with, and places centre stage the untold story of one of England’s greatest writers.
Bird Grove stars Elizabeth Dulau (Andor, House of Guinness) as Mary Ann Evans (George Eliot), alongside Tony Award winner and Game of Thrones star Owen Teale (A Doll’s House) as Robert Evans.
Directed by Anna Ledwich (The Pride, Apologia), Mary Ann finds it increasingly difficult to accept the rules of the world around her – bringing her into direct and bitter conflict with the father she adores. But perhaps that is the only way forward: to break every societal convention expected of her, find her voice, and become the writer she has always dreamt of being. After all, who can suppress the astounding gifts of future literary titan, George Eliot?
Bird Grove is playing at Hampstead Theatre from 13 February to 21 March 2026.
1841 and Mary Ann Evans is of marriageable age – just. Her father, Robert, has recently moved with her to Bird Grove House, with the sole purpose of finding her a suitable husband through the local church. But Mary Ann’s remarkable intellect and growing self-confidence are forming progressive new ideas in her mind; ideas that challenge her father’s most strongly held beliefs.
Fuelled by every new book she reads and a burgeoning friendship with local radicals, Mary Ann finds it increasingly difficult to accept the rules of the world around her – bringing her into direct and bitter conflict with the father she adores. But perhaps that is the only way forward: to break every societal convention expected of her, find her voice, and become the writer she has always dreamt of being. After all, who can suppress the astounding gifts of future literary titan, George Eliot?
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Performance Information
Check booking calendar for full details
- Evenings
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Matinees
- Thursday
- Saturday
- Group Bookings For groups of 10+ enquire here
Stars and Creatives
Who is in the cast of Bird Grove?
- Elizabeth Dulau as Mary Ann Evans (George Eliot)
- Owen Teale as Robert Evans
- Jonnie Broadbent as Horace
- Jolyon Coy as Isaac Evans
- Tom Espiner as Charles Bray
- Rebecca Scroggs as Cara Bray
- James Staddon as Monsieur Lafontaine / Hugo Barling
- Sarah Woodward as Maria
Who are the creative team of Bird Grove?
- Written by Alexi Kaye Campbell
- Directed by Anna Ledwich
- Designer Sarah Beaton
- Lighting Designer Matt Haskins
- Sound Designer and Composer Harry Blake
- Casting Director Juliet Horsley
Important Notes
Access performances: Captioned – Tuesday, 17th March, 7:30pm; Audio Described – Saturday, 21st March, 2:30pm
Venue Information
Hampstead Theatre , Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, London, NW3 3EU
Nearest Tube or Train: Swiss Cottage (Jubilee Line)
Nearest Buses: C11, 13, 31, 46, 82, 113, 187, 268
Google
AppleCritics' reviews of Bird Grove
★★★★★ "Every performance is finely judged" - Libby Purves
★★★★ "Alexi Kaye Campbell’s gripping slow burn of a play" - London Theatre
★★★★ "A confident production, keen to entertain" - The Spy in the Stalls
● "This show is electric to watch and brought a tear to my eye" - The Sunday Times
● "Andor star Elizabeth Dulau gives a fine turn in this touching drama" - TimeOut
● "Elizabeth Dulau handles the central role terrifically" - Financial Times
● "Nicely crafted and vibrantly performed" - The Stage
● "Elizabeth Dulau as Mary Ann gives a fine, understated performance" - Broadway World
Frequently Asked Questions
News about Bird Grove
Elizabeth Dulau & Owen Teale to star in Bird Grove at Hampstead Theatre
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