Duration
2 hrs
Closing Date
Until April 12, 2026
Why Watch The Tempest?
- Shakespeare’s tale of storms, magic, and fractured memory returns in a modern retelling shaped by Tim Crouch’s (I, Malvolio and An Oak Tree) contemporary approach to the classic text.
- Tim Crouch as Prospero and Naomi Wirthner as Ariel lead the cast, in a production praised for its "imaginative" (WhatsOnSatge) approach in the past.
- Themes of power, captivity, forgiveness, and storytelling unfold through intimate staging, live compositions, and vivid character work that deepens each transformation.
- Playing at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse for a limited season, this production offers a close-up look at characters reshaped by their own narratives. Book The Tempest London tickets today!
The Tempest arrives in London under the direction of Tim Crouch, whose award-winning productions reinterpret Shakespeare with wit and precision. This candlelit staging at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse brings together Naomi Wirthner, Tim Crouch, and a creative team known for inventive, text-driven work. Crouch’s past projects, including I, Malvolio and An Oak Tree, earned critical acclaim for their sharp insight and fresh theatricality. Composer Orlando Gough, designer Rachana Jadhav, and associate director Justina Kehinde shape a world where magic, memory, and authority collide.
Storyline
Exiled sorcerer Prospero lives on an isolated island with Miranda, Ariel, and Caliban. Years of displacement fuel a cycle of reimagined memories, rehearsed grievances, and stories retold until they blur with truth. When a shipwreck brings old rivals within reach, past betrayals surface, and questions of power, justice, and forgiveness take center stage. As illusions multiply and loyalties shift, the characters must confront the narratives they have shaped about themselves. Whether renewal awaits them remains uncertain, leaving audiences to wonder what freedom might cost.
Show timings
Show timings for The Tempest may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
Leading roles: Tim Crouch as Prospero, and Naomi Wirthner as Ariel
Director: Tim Crouch
Producer: Shakespeare’s Globe
Playwright: William Shakespeare
Composer: Orlando Gough
Set designer: Rachana Jadhav
Movement director: Tanaka Bingwa
Associate director: Justina Kehinde
Age Suitability
Content warning: The production references to colonialism and enslavement.
Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Most theaters are air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly. Bring along a light jacket if needed.
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
One of the West End’s most historic venues, the Theatre Royal Haymarket is a Grade I-listed gem that has hosted legends since 1821. Known for its opulent interior and classical façade, it brings elegance and intimacy to bold, contemporary theatre. The auditorium’s horseshoe shape ensures excellent sightlines, and recent refurbishments offer enhanced comfort without compromising its vintage charm. From Waiting for Godot to Heathers, this venue balances tradition with innovation — and with Othello storming its stage, you’re in for a truly dramatic night out in one of London’s most iconic spaces. The Theatre Royal Haymarket seating plan can help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting There
- Address: Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT, UK
- By metro:
Shakespeare's Globe is only a 9-minute walk from London Bridge on the Northern Line, the closest tube station. Blackfriars (District and Circle lines) is about a 10-minute stroll from the theatre
- By train:
The nearest train station is London Charing Cross, a 7-minute walk to the venue
- By bus:
Routes 45, 63, 100, 381, and RV1 serve the area.
Facilities & Accessibility
Amenities: Toilets, Dining outlets, Cloak room, Souvenir shop, Free parking
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Elevator access
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 get an email confirmation with your Tempest voucher. Please display the same on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of the tickets starts from £6.25 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The show is playing at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare's Globe.
It centers on how Prospero, Miranda, Ariel, and Caliban retell their shared past, revealing shifting power and memory.
No. It respects the original text while using modern direction and staging to highlight contemporary themes.
He emphasizes psychological detail, direct address, and the act of storytelling itself, creating an intimate London play experience.
It is performed without major cuts, though pacing and focus are shaped by Crouch’s direction.
Special events vary by performance date. You can keep an eye out on the Globe’s official page for such announcements.
