No longer booking
  • Venue Lyric Hammersmith, London
  • Performance dates Booking to 3 October 2026
  • Age guidelines 14+

Lucy Kirkwood’s modern classic returns

Lucy Kirkwood’s acclaimed drama The Children comes to Lyric Hammersmith Theatre from 2 September to 3 October 2026 in a new production directed by Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan.

Marking the play’s 10th anniversary, this gripping and darkly funny modern classic stars Olivier Award-nominated Meera Syal (Goodness Gracious Me, Noises Off) as Hazel.

Living on the edge of a radiation exclusion zone after a catastrophic event, Hazel and Robin cling to the routines of everyday life — until the arrival of an old friend forces them to confront difficult truths about responsibility, sacrifice and what we owe future generations.

Funny, tense and deeply compelling, The Children remains one of the most powerful and thought-provoking British plays of recent years.

Book tickets to The Children for this compelling London production at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.

What is The Children about?

After surviving an environmental catastrophe, retired nuclear scientists Hazel and Robin live in isolation on the edge of a radiation exclusion zone, trying to maintain a sense of normality in an altered world.

Their fragile routine is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of former colleague Rose, who brings with her buried memories, old secrets and a proposal that could change everything.

Blending sharp humour with emotional tension, Lucy Kirkwood’s acclaimed play explores ageing, personal morality and the consequences one generation leaves for the next.

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★★★
“Kirkwood has a superb ear for believable, stingingly witty dialogue.”
The Stage
★★★
“The environmental themes of Lucy Kirkwood’s pointedly allegorical drama The Children have only grown more relevant in the decade since it debuted.”
TimeOut
★★★
“There is still a rich seam of tragicomic humour here, and the two lead actresses tap into it to great effect.”
BroadwayWorld

Photos

Performance Information

Check booking calendar for full details

Important Notes

Access Performances

  • Audio Described: Sep 24, 2026 at 7.30pm
  • BSL Performance: Sep 22, 2026 at 7.30pm
  • Open Captioned Performance: Sep 30, 2026 at 7.30pm
  • Chilled Performance: Sep 23, 2026 at 2.30pm

Venue Information

Lyric Hammersmith , King Street, London, W6 0QL

Nearest Tube or Train: Hammersmith (District, Piccadilly, Circle, Hammersmith & City)

Nearest Buses: 27, 110, 190, 218, 267, 306, H91, N9, N11, N266

Directions

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Critics' reviews of The Children

★★★ “Kirkwood has a superb ear for believable, stingingly witty dialogue.” The Stage

★★★ “The environmental themes of Lucy Kirkwood’s pointedly allegorical drama The Children have only grown more relevant in the decade since it debuted.” TimeOut

★★★ “There is still a rich seam of tragicomic humour here, and the two lead actresses tap into it to great effect.” BroadwayWorld

Also see: The Children Reviews Round-up

Frequently Asked Questions

The Children is playing at the Lyric Hammersmith in London
The age recommendations for The Children are: 14+
Yes, The Children has matinee performances on the following days: Wednesday, Saturday
No, sorry, The Children has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.

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