Tickets coming soon
  • Venue Almeida Theatre, London
  • Performance dates 10 November 2026 - 23 December 2026

Book tickets to see Desire Under the Elms – Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic, at the Almeida Theatre between 10 November and 23 December 2026.

The play stars Zackary Momoh (Othello) and Kelly Gough (Broadchurch) and is a shattering family drama exploring desire, family duty and the collision between heart and reason.  

Desire Under the Elms at the Almeidnna  

Eugene O’Neill’s four-time Pulitzer Prize-winning play Desire Under the Elms stands as one of the great achievements of American drama, and is inspired by Greek tragedy. It’s a raw examination of family and desire, and strips away civility to expose the raw, passionate conflicts that simmer beneath the surface of family life.

Zackary Momoh leads a company including Kelly Gough in a production directed by Ebenezer Bamgboye, the former Almeida Resident Director.

Desire Under the Elms is playing at the Almeida Theatre between 10 November and 23 December 2026.

What is Desire Under the Elms about?

The play follows the Cabot family trying to make a living while living on barren farmstead. Eben and his half-brothers dream of escape, but their fragile world is upended when their estranged father Ephraim returns with a young bride called Abbie Putnam. She brings youth and beauty, as well as forbidden desire, bitter resentment and conflict that will tear the family apart. 

Desire Under the Elms is a savage exploration of family dysfunction, where passion wars against reason and everything hinges on land, legacy and the human need to belong.  

Book Desire Under the Elms tickets  

Desire Under the Elms plays the Almeida Theatre from 10 November until 19 December 2026, but there is not yet confirmation of when tickets will go on sale. With strong content and limited availability, early booking is recommended, so get updates by signing up to the West End Theatre newsletter.

Desire Under the Elms is Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. It’s a shattering exploration of American family life inspired by Greek tragedy.

The show is set on a remote farmstead, the play centres on the Cabot family, including Eben and his half-brothers struggling to survive on barren land while harbouring dreams of escape and wealth. Their fragile world is upended when their estranged father Ephraim returns with a young bride, Abbie Putnam, who brings not only youth and beauty but also forbidden desire, bitter resentment and conflict that will tear the family apart. 

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Performance Information

Check booking calendar for full details

Stars and Creatives

Who is in the cast of Desire Under the Elms?

  • Eben Cabot: Zackary Momoh 
  • Abbie Putnam: Kelly Gough 
  • Ephraim Cabot: Antony Byrne 
  • Simeon Cabot: Jamie Beamish 
  • Peter Cabot: Thomas Coombes 
  • Spirit/Singer: Choolwe Laina Muntanga 
  • Spirit/Guitar: Tendai Humphrey Sitima 
  • Spirit/Trumpet: Nathaniel Wade  

Who are the creative team of Desire Under the Elms?

  • Playwright: Eugene O’Neill  
  • Director: Ebenezer Bamgboye 
  • Set Designer: Basia Bińkowska 
  • Costume Designer: Camilla Dely 
  • Lighting Designer: Jack Knowles 
  • Sound Designer: George Dennis 
  • Composer: XANA 
  • Movement & Intimacy Director: Rose Ryan 
  • Casting Director: Julia Horan CDG 
  • Assistant Director: Maxi Himpe  

Important Notes

Recommended for ages 15+

Content notes:

Contains misogynistic and strong language, violence including domestic violence, incest, traumatic childbirth, infanticide, mental illness, alcoholism, and references to death and grief. Audience discretion advised. 

Access performances:

  • BSL-interpreted performance –  24 November at 7:30pm
  • Audio described performance –  28 November at 2pm with Touch Tour 12pm
  • Captioned performance – 30 November at 7:30pm
  • Relaxed environment performances – 9 December at 2pm and 7:30pm

Venue Information

Almeida Theatre , Almeida Street, London, N1 1TA

Nearest Tube or Train: Highbury & Islington (Victoria / Overground), Angel (Northern)

Nearest Buses: 4, 19, 30 or 43, 38, 56, 73, 341 and 476

Directions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Desire Under the Elms is playing at the Almeida Theatre in London
Yes, Desire Under the Elms has matinee performances on the following days: Wednesday, Saturday
Tickets for Desire Under the Elms are not currently on sale. Please check back for updates, or sign-up for our email alerts.

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