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Duration

2 hrs 30 mins with interval

Closing Date

Until December 20, 2024

Age limit

Suitable for 12+

Why Watch The Duchess?

  • See Jodie Whittaker, the first female Doctor, return to the stage after a 10-year hiatus for a limited 11-week run of The Duchess at the Trafalgar Theater.
  • Award-winning Zinnie Harris reimagines John Webster's classic tragedy and turns the lens on a Duchess's fight for love and autonomy after loss.
  • This streamlined adaptation drops most of the wordy banter of the original play, focusing on the core themes and maintaining a faster pace.
  • The Guardian called the 2019 production "a triumph," praising its exploration of misogyny and female empowerment for a modern audience.

Originally written in the early 17th century, The Duchess has captivated audiences for generations with its themes of love, revenge, and the gory fight for autonomy. Director Zinnie Harris's previous triumph includes an adaptation of Macbeth, while Jodie Whittaker's last stage performance was in Antigone, playing opposite the 9th Doctor, Christopher Eccleston. While the play takes inspiration from the life of Giovanna d'Aragona, Duchess of Amalfi, Zinnie Harris's adaptation reimagines her story for a modern audience.

The storyline

A widowed Duchess defies tradition and chooses love over status as she secretly marries beneath her class. This choice ignites a powder keg of resentment and rage within her power-hungry brothers. Determined to maintain control and fueled by greed, they unleash a relentless campaign of manipulation and cruelty to bring their sister to heel. The Duchess, caught in a bloody struggle for autonomy, must fight for her newfound love and carve her own path. But will her defiance come at a terrible cost? Book tickets for The Duchess in London to find out!

Cast & Crew

  • Leading Role: Jodie Whittaker as The Duchess

  • Direction and Adaptation: Zinnie Harris

  • Writer: John Webster

Trafalgar Theatre

The Trafalgar Theatre, formerly known as the Whitehall Theatre, first opened in 1930 and retains its striking Art Deco design. Over the decades it became home to political satires, West End revues, and later hosted acclaimed shows like Jersey Boys and End of the Rainbow. Following a careful restoration, the theater reopened in 2021 as a single-auditorium venue, continuing its legacy of presenting bold and conversation-starting productions. Today, it stands at the heart of Whitehall as a destination for theater that blends history with contemporary flair. The Trafalgar Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.

Getting There

  • Address: 14 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY, UK
  • By metro:

    The Charing Cross and Embankment stations are both within a 5-minute walking distance and accessible by southeastern and Bakerloo lines.

  • By bus:

    Take the 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 77a, 88, 91, 139, 159, or 453 buses to Trafalgar Square, a few steps away from the theater.

Facilities & Accessibility

Amenities: Dining outlets, Cloak room, Toilets

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed

Additional Information

  • Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.

  • Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.

  • Outside Food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.

Tickets Redemption


  • You will receive an email with your The Duchess voucher. Please display the same on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID.

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    Cancellation & Refunds

    • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
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