Slave Play London: What to know about this thought-provoking play and how to find tickets

What is Slave Play about?

Slave Play is an explosive drama by a rising star, African-American playwright Jeremy O Harris. Another of his shows, Daddy: A Melodrama, was staged at London’s Almeida Theatre in 2022 to much success – and fervent discussion.

Expect even more talk around the already controversial Slave Play. This riveting drama follows three interracial couples who take part in therapeutic sexual role-playing, pretending that they’re on a cotton plantation in pre-Civil War Virginia (and so are slaves and masters or overseers). It examines race, power relations, sexual desire and the lingering trauma of slavery.

Slave Play was immediately considered controversial but became a huge success when it opened and swiftly moved to Broadway. It broke the record for the most Tony Award nominations for a play, with 12. Now it comes to London with a fantastic cast led by Kit Harington (Jon Snow in Game of Thrones). How will British audiences respond to its contentious themes and confrontational drama? 

How to buy tickets for Slave Play

You can find seats for the London production of Slave Play on Telegraph Tickets. Check the site for the latest prices. 

The cast

Slave Play’s original New York cast included Teyonah Parris, who went on to appear in movies such as Dear White People and Chi-Raq, and to play Monica Rambeau in Marvel’s WandaVision. It also included Paul Alexander Nolan, who is now starring in the Broadway production of Water for Elephants.

The London run of Slave Play, which opens on 29 June, 2024, features Kit Harington, who shot to fame in Game of Thrones, as well as Fisayo Akinade (The Crucible, Heartstopper), Olivia Washington (The Tragedy of Macbeth), Aaron Heffernan (War of the Worlds) and, reprising their roles from Broadway, Chalia La Tour, Annie McNamara, Irene Sofia Lucio, and James Cusati-Moyer. It promises to be an exciting combination of new and returning talent.

Slave Play received a record-breaking 12 Tony Award nominations, including for Best Play, Best Direction and Best Original Score, and it won a Drama Desk Award for its thrilling fight choreography.

The details

Where is Slave Play playing?

Slave Play runs at the Noel Coward Theatre on St Martin’s Lane, which is in the heart of London’s West End, close to Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square.

What is the running time of Slave Play?

Slave Play runs for two hours without an interval.

How long is Slave Play running for?

Slave Play is currently booking to September 21, 2024. 

What is the minimum age for Slave Play?

The age recommendation for Slave Play is 16+. 

Does Slave Play have accessible performances?

Yes, the show runs some captioned and audio-described performances. Please head to the theatre website for more information about Slave Play access performances.

FAQs

How long is Slave Play?

Slave Play runs at two hours altogether, and, unusually, it doesn’t have an interval. That helps to maintain the intensity of this blistering drama – and gives you plenty of time to discuss this provocative show afterwards.

Who is the creative team in Slave Play?

The West End run of Slave Play is directed by the acclaimed, Tony-nominated American writer/director Robert O’Hara. It features a set design by Clint Ramos (Tony winner for Eclipsed), costumes by Dede Ayite (three Tony nominations in 2024), and lighting by Jiyoun Chang (two Tony nominations).

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