No longer booking
  • Venue Hampstead Theatre, London
  • Performance dates Booking to 13 June 2026
  • Running time 2 hours 10 minutes (including interval)
  • Age guidelines 14+

Sarah Ruhl’s acclaimed romantic comedy comes to London

Sarah Ruhl’s witty and heartfelt play Stage Kiss comes to Hampstead Theatre in its long-awaited UK premiere, directed by Blanche McIntyre (The Invention of Love).

Starring MyAnna Buring (The Witcher, Twilight, Kill List) and Patrick Kennedy (Boardwalk Empire, The Day of the Jackal), this funny and sharply observed comedy explores the blurred lines between performance, romance and real life.

When two actors with a complicated romantic history are cast opposite each other as lovers, rehearsals quickly become emotionally unpredictable as old feelings begin to resurface both on and off stage.

Part backstage comedy, part love story, Stage Kiss is a clever and deeply relatable play about second chances, intimacy and the chaos of human relationships.

Book Stage Kiss tickets now for this acclaimed London production at Hampstead Theatre.

What is Stage Kiss About?

Two actors are reunited years after a failed relationship when they are cast together in a forgotten romantic melodrama.

As rehearsals progress, the boundary between theatre and reality begins to blur. Playing lovers on stage forces them to confront unresolved feelings, awkward memories and the possibility that their story may not be over after all.

Funny, romantic and emotionally insightful, Stage Kiss explores love, performance and the strange intimacy of acting.

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★★★★
“A triumphant UK stage debut”
TimeOut
★★★★
“Delights in playing games with the audience”
The Times
★★★★
“A theatre farce with a real backbone”
What's On Stage

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Performance Information

Check booking calendar for full details

Stars and Creatives

Who is in the cast of Stage Kiss?

Starring:

  • MyAnna Buring (Twilight) as She
  • Patrick Kennedy (Boardwalk Empire) as He
  • Toto Bruin (It’s A Sin) as Angela / Millie
  • Oliver Dimsdale (The Argument) as Husband / Harrison
  • James Phoon (Much Ado About Nothing) as Kevin / Butler / Doctor / Pimp
  • Rolf Saxon (Mission Impossible – Final Reckoning) as Director
  • Jill Winternitz (Once) as Laurie / Millicent

Who are the creative team of Stage Kiss?

  • Written by Sarah Ruhl
  • Director: Blanche McIntyre
  • Casting Director: Juliet Horsley
  • Design: Robert Innes Hopkins
  • Lighting design: Oliver Fenwick
  • Sound design: Gregory Clarke
  • Composition: Grant Olding
  • Fight, movement and intimacy director: Yarit Dor
  • Assistant director: Olivia Munk

Important Notes

Content notes: References to death and illness, strong language, references to sex

Access performances: Captioned performance – 10 June (evening); Audio described performance – 13 June (Matinee)

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

Directions

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Critics' reviews of Stage Kiss

★★★★ “A triumphant UK stage debut” TimeOut

★★★★ “Delights in playing games with the audience” The Times

★★★★ “A theatre farce with a real backbone” What's On Stage

★★★★ “A whole lot of fun” All That Dazzles

Frequently Asked Questions

Stage Kiss is playing at the Hampstead Theatre in London
The running time of Stage Kiss is 2 hours 10 minutes (including interval)
The age recommendations for Stage Kiss are: 14+
Yes, Stage Kiss has matinee performances on the following days: Thursday, Saturday
No, sorry, Stage Kiss has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.

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