English
English
2 hrs 45 minutes
DURATION
CLOSING DATE
Until 5 October 2024
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 14+
AboutVenueTickets
Why watch Our Country's Good?
- Our Country’s Good, an insightful commentary on the British justice system, is hitting the Lyric Hammersmith for a limited run in September 2024.
- Playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker's riveting drama gets a twenty-first-century adaptation helmed by director Rachel O’Riordan (A Doll’s House, Iphigenia in Splott, The Seafarer, Killology).
- The topically relevant Olivier Award-winning masterpiece studies what happens when politics is interwoven with themes of deportation, punishment, and criminal justice.
- The thought-provoking play is based on true events and promises to be as stirring as it is unforgettable.
Our Country’s Good returns to London’s West End in autumn this year for a limited run at the Lyric Hammersmith. The venue’s very own artistic director, Rachel O’Riordan, known for her work in A Doll’s House, Killology, and Iphigenia in Splott, takes the reins as the director. The play was written by British playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker, itself an adaptation of the novel The Playmaker by Booker Prize winner Thomas Keneally.
Based on real-life events and characters, the plot revolves around a crew of Royal Marines and convicts in a prison colony in New South Wales in the 1780s who stage a production of The Recruiting Officer, a 1706 play by George Farquhar.
Storyline
A ship loaded with British convicts sets sail to Australia, the relocation a punishment for their crimes. Thomas Barrett, 17, is sentenced to seven years in prison for stealing a sheep; James Freeman, 25, is sentenced to twice that for assaulting a sailor; and Dorothy Handland, 82, is punished for stealing a biscuit. They reach the shore in 1788 after a perilous journey.
However, maintaining discipline is a brutal job, and abuse is common. To keep the criminals in line and 'civilize' the desperate, dangerous, and impoverished group of people, Ralph Clark, a young lieutenant, proposes staging a play. What happens next? Catch Our Country’s Good at the Lyric Hammersmith to find out.
Show timings
- Mon - Sat 7:30 PM
- Sat 2:30 PM
Cast & crew
- Leading roles: TBA
- Book: Timberlake Wertenbaker
- Director: Rachel O’Riordan
- Designer: Gary McCann
Note: Producers can not guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Age & content guide
- This performance features explicit language, inferred sex and sexual violence, and depictions of intimidation and violence.
- The play is suitable for people aged 14 and up.
- Please keep in mind that London theatres do not have an age classification organization. This means that all age recommendations are subjective. Please use your judgment while purchasing tickets for any show.
Lyric Hammersmith TheatreRead more
The Lyric Theatre, commonly referred to as the Lyric Hammersmith, is located in Hammersmith, London, on Lyric Square, just off King Street. It features two primary performance spaces: the Studio, which hosts smaller plays by new organizations, and the Main House, a 19th-century auditorium that preserves the original design and stages its main productions. Along with regular performances under the banners of Lyric Children and Lyric Music, The Lyric hosts Sunday Night Comedy shows.
Seating Capacity: 1061
Lyric Hammersmith Seating Plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.
Getting there
Address:
Tube: Hammersmith Station is the closest to the venue, about 0.5 miles away.
Bus: The theater is about 450 feet from Hammersmith bus station that services the District and Picadilly lines.
Facilities & accessibility
Available Facilities: All-gender and accessible toilets, Baby changing rooms, Breastfeeding facilities
Accessibility: Accessible parking, elevators, accessible seating, hearing and visual assistance and aids, and accessible toilets are all available at this venue.
Additional information
Security: Please be aware that for your comfort and security, all audience members will be subject to security checks upon arrival at the Lyric Hammersmith.
Dress Code: Smart and casual wear or semi-formals are recommended. Keep in mind, that most London theatres are air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly.
Outside Food: Outside food and drink are not permitted inside the auditorium but patrons may purchase snacks and refreshments at the in-house bar and cafe.
Tickets redemption
- E-tickets will be provided when you check in online.
- You will receive an email confirmation with your Our Country's Good voucher instantly.
- Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID. A physical printout is not necessary.
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions about Our Country's Good
How much do the Our Country's Good tickets cost?
The cost of the Our Country's Good tickets will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
What is the opening date for Our Country's Good?
Our Country's Good opens on 5 September 2024 at the Lyric Hammersmith.
What age is Our Country's Good appropriate for?
This show does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 14 and above.
What is Our Country's Good about?
Our Country’s Good is a play about the prison system. It examines whether the punishment truly matches the crime and delves into the concept of justice and what it means to “do one’s time.”
How long does Our Country's Good run for?
The running time of Our Country's Good is 2 hours and 45 minutes including an intermission.
Who are the main stars of Our Country's Good?
The main stars of this play are yet to be announced.