English
English
Until March 21, 2026
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CLOSING DATE
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 14+ yrs
from
£27.50
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Why watch Arcadia?
- Arcadia play in London spans two eras in one English country house where gifted prodigies and scholars retrace the universe's discoveries and uncover their own desires.
- Written by Tom Stoppard (Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, The Real Thing) and directed by Carrie Cracknell, this revival balances intellect and emotion with Stoppard’s signature wit.
- The 1993 premiere at London’s National Theatre won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play, establishing Arcadia as one of modern theatre’s defining works.
- With refined design by Alex Eales and costumes by Suzanne Cave, the production reveals how logic, love, and time intersect. Book your Arcadia London tickets now!
Arcadia is widely regarded as one of Tom Stoppard’s finest works, which premiered in 1993 and won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play. The version at the Old Vic Theatre marks a major London staging of the piece, directed by Carrie Cracknell. In this production, a country house becomes the setting for two stories: in 1809 a brilliant young scholar investigates the universe’s structure; in the present day, two academics probe the same estate for hidden clues. The show explores how knowledge accumulates, how memory works, and how desire disrupts ordered thought. Stoppard’s dialogue balances wit and depth, science and feeling, showing that the search for proof is also a search for meaning.
Storyline
In 1809 at Sidley Park, Thomasina Coverly, only 13, begins to grasp ideas about mathematics and the heat-death of the universe. Meanwhile, her tutor, Septimus Hodge, navigates social games, duels and questions of form and function. Two centuries later, at the same estate, scholar Hannah Jarvis and literature professor Bernard Nightingale investigate its mysteries through manuscripts and grouse counts. As both eras unfold on the same stage, the play invites you to consider whether knowledge is fixed or fleeting, whether love and desire belong in a laboratory of ideas, and whether the past ever really leaves us. Arcadia play in London offer the chance to witness a play where science, poetry and emotion intersect.
Show timings
Show timings for Arcadia may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & crew
- Writer: Tom Stoppard
- Director: Carrie Cracknell
- Set design: Alex Eales
- Costume design: Suzanne Cave
- Lighting design: Guy Hoare
- Sound design: Donato Wharton
- Movement: Ira Mandela Siobhan
- Composer: Stuart Earl
Note: Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Age & content guide
- This show is suitable for ages 14 years and above.
- Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Old Vic Theatre Read more
The Old Vic Theatre is located at 103 The Cut, London SE1, near Waterloo station. The venue was founded in 1818 and has a rich history of landmark productions. The venues' architecture and layout provide strong sight-lines and a warm acoustic that suits intellectually engaged theater. Past productions include major works by Shakespeare, modern drama, and acclaimed plays such as A Christmas Carol and White Christmas.
The Old Vic Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting there
- Address: 103 The Cut, London SE1 8NB, United Kingdom
- Tube: Waterloo station (Northern, Jubilee, Bakerloo, Waterloo & City lines) is a short walk.
- Bus: Lines 1, 59, 68, 76, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 507, and C10 stop nearby along Waterloo Road and The Cut.
Facilities & accessibility
Available facilities: Bar, restrooms, cloakroom, elevator, gift shop
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, accessible restrooms, access performances, hearing assistance, step-free access, companion seats
Additional information
- Access performances: Audio-described performances are scheduled on Saturday, March 7, at 2pm (Touch Tour 11:30am) and Monday, March 9, at 7pm (Touch Tour 5pm). British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performances are scheduled on Saturday, March 7, at 2pm and Wednesday, March 11, at 7pm. Captioned performances will take place on Friday, March 6, at 7pm and Saturday, March 7, at 2pm. A Relaxed performance, which is also Audio Described, Captioned, and BSL Interpreted, will be held on Saturday, March 7, at 2pm (Touch Tour 11:30am).
- 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’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
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Frequently asked questions about Arcadia
What age is the play appropriate for?
The play does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 14 years and above.
Where is the show playing in London?
The show is playing at the Old Vic Theatre in London.
What is Arcadia play in London about?
It tells parallel stories across two centuries in one English country house: a teenage prodigy in 1809 and scholars in the present day, both driven by curiosity about the universe and human nature.
Who wrote Arcadia, and when did it first premiere?
Written by Tom Stoppard, the play first premiered in April 1993 at the National Theatre in London.
What major awards has the play received?
The original 1993 production won the Olivier Award for Best New Play, and the play is often cited among the most significant contemporary English-language dramas.
What themes will I see in the play?
Expect to explore themes of knowledge vs. mystery, the passage of time, determinism vs. chance, and the complexity of human desire, all within a framework of witty, intelligent dialogue.