The Authenticator Tickets | National Theatre London

No longer booking

Venue National Theatre - Dorfman Theatre, London
Performance dates Booking to 9 May 2026
Running time 1 hour 30 minutes (no interval)

The Authenticator at the National Theatre London

★★★★ “The humour and zesty dialogue in this play is so cleverly barbed” (Guardian)

Step inside a house full of secrets. The Authenticator is a haunting new gothic thriller by Winsome Pinnock, brought to life by director Miranda Cromwell in a spellbinding new National Theatre production.

When eccentric artist Fenella Harford inherits her family’s stately home, she uncovers a cache of hidden diaries and enlists young academic Marva to authenticate them. But when Marva’s mentor Abi joins the search for truth, the three women begin to unearth dark, long-buried secrets within Harford Hall.

Sylvestra Le Touzel (Intelligence, Housewife 49, The Death of Stalin) stars as Fen, alongside Rakie Ayola (The Pact, Holby City) as Abi and Cherrelle Skeete (Slow Horses) as Marva.

A chilling and atmospheric exploration of legacy, obsession, and truth, The Authenticator reunites Pinnock and Cromwell following their acclaimed collaboration on Rockets and Blue Lights.

The Authenticator ran from 26 March – 9 May 2026 at the Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX

What is The Authenticator about?

This house is full of secrets

Soon after inheriting her family’s stately home, eccentric artist Fenella Harford discovers a stash of hidden diaries and enlists a young academic, Marva, to confirm their authenticity.

Joined by Marva’s brilliant but overlooked mentor, Abi, the three women come together to seek the truth, soon realising that secrets at the heart of Harford Hall were darker than they could have imagined.

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Photos

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Performance Information

Check booking calendar for full details

Evenings
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
Matinees
- Wednesday
Group Bookings For groups of 10+ enquire here

Stars and Creatives

Who is in the cast of The Authenticator?

Rakie Ayola as Abi
Sylvestra Le Touzel as Fen
Cherrelle Skeete as Marva

Who are the creative team of The Authenticator?

Written by Winsome Pinnock
Directed by Miranda Cromwell
Set design by Jon Bausor
Costume design by Kinnetia Isidore
Lighting design by Aideen Malone
Sound design by Tingying Dong
Composer Femi Temowo
Movement direction by Shelley Maxwell
Casting by Alastair Coomer CDG
Voice coaching by Hazel Holder
Staff direction by Dubheasa Lanipekun

Venue Information

National Theatre - Dorfman Theatre , Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PX

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

Nearest Buses: 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, X68, RV1

Directions

Critics' reviews of The Authenticator

★★★★ “The humour and zesty dialogue in this play is so cleverly barbed” The Guardian

★★★★ “A ghost story full of laughs and twists” Broadway World

★★★★ “Finely balanced with layers of comedy” Reviews Hub

★★★★ “A truly impressive production” All That Dazzles

★★★★ “A compelling addition to the National Theatre’s current season” West End Best Friend

Average Critics' Review Score: 4.0 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ (5)

Frequently Asked Questions

The Authenticator is playing at the National Theatre - Dorfman Theatre in London

The running time of The Authenticator is 1 hour 30 minutes (no interval)

Yes, The Authenticator has matinee performances on the following days: Wednesday

No, sorry, The Authenticator has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.