What age is The Years appropriate for?

The show is suitable for ages 15 and above. This production contains graphic depictions of abortion, blood, a coerced sexual encounter, and sexual content, which may at times be distressing. The production includes the use of e-cigarettes, haze, and flashing lights. Viewer discretion is advised.

Where is The Years playing in London?

The show is playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre.

What is The Years about?

Based on Annie Ernaux’s masterpiece, this play traces the life of one woman through the changing landscape of a post-war Europe.

How long does The Years run for?

The running time is 1 hour and 55 minutes.

The Years

Plays

Harold Pinter Theatre

Silhouettes of five people with "The Years" text in bold letters.

Duration

1 hr 55 mins

Closing Date

Until April 19, 2025

Age limit

Suitable for 15+ yrs

Why Watch The Years?

In a rapidly changing post-war Europe, one woman's personal and political story unfolds through the performances of five different actors.
Nobel Prize winner Annie Ernaux’s masterpiece gets a worthy adaptation with Eline Arbo at the helm.
Playing for a strictly limited 12-week run at the Harold Pinter Theatre following sold-out runs at the Almeida Theatre and International Theater Amsterdam. The Years is an extraordinary portrait of a woman with a remarkable story to tell.

Award-winning French author Annie Ernaux's critically acclaimed masterpiece, The Years, receives a worthy stage adaptation in director Eline Arbo's female-led production. An exploration of gender, emancipation, class, and sexuality amid a rapidly changing post-war Europe, this play draws on 2020's The End with Eddy, 2001's The Hours, and 2021's Yerma to craft a powerful narrative.

Storyline

In the aftermath of World War II, a woman breaks free from expectations and pursues a role as a writer, infusing her work with sharp sociopolitical takes. As five actors take us on a journey through her life, we see the world change with her - and are changed by it along with her.

Show timings

Show timings for The Years may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.

Cast & Crew

Leading roles: Deborah Findlay, Gina McKee, Anjli Mohindra, and Harmony Rose-Bremner, with Romola Garai for a limited run till March 8.
Playwright: Annie Ernaux
Director: Eline Arbo

Harold Pinter Theatre

The Savoy Theatre London made history by being the world's first public building to be entirely illuminated by electricity. The purpose-built theatre opened its doors on October 10, 1881, as The Savoy, showcasing Gilbert and Sullivan's Patience or Bunthorne's Bride. The theatre was specifically designed to showcase Gilbert & Sullivan comic operas, which subsequently became known as the Savoy Operas, built by Richard D'Oyly Carte. Over time, the theatre has undergone various renovations. In the late 20th century, a proposal to construct a new theatre was suggested. However, it was overruled, and the decision was made to restore the building as faithfully as possible to its original 1929 design. Seating Capacity: 1132 Savoy Theatre Seating Plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.

Getting There

Address: Panton St, London SW1Y 4DN, UK
By metro:
The nearest tube stations are Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines) and Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines).
By train:
If you wish to take a train to the theatre, the Charing Cross Station is the closest.
By bus:
Buses 14, 19, 24, 29, 38, and 176 serve the area.
By car:
The nearest car park is Q-Park Leicester Square.

Facilities & Accessibility

Amenities: Toilets, Souvenir shop, Cloak room, Dining outlets, Free parking

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Mobility vehicles

Additional Information

Security: Theater staff may run a few pre-entry security checks to ensure the safety and comfort of all patrons.
Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire are great choices if you’re unsure what to wear.
Outside Food: Most theaters do not permit outside food. Venues may offer in-house concessions and refreshments to purchase before or after a show.