English
English
Until May 23, 2026
CLOSING DATE
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 14+ yrs
from
£27.50
AboutVenueTickets
Why watch One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?
- This new play reimagines Ken Kesey’s landmark novel for today, examining power, silence, and resistance through a psychiatric patient's foregrounded perspective.
- The production is written by Dale Wasserman, under the direction of Clint Dyer, known his work in Death of England and Othello.
- Themes of survival and institutional power unfold through striking design by Ben Stones, with lighting and sound shaping tense shifts.
- This limited run at the Old Vic Theatre, showcases unheard voices and the systems that shape them. Book your One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest London tickets!
Clint Dyer directs this new London staging of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest play, adapted by Dale Wasserman from Ken Kesey’s groundbreaking novel. Set inside a psychiatric hospital, the play follows Chief Bromden, whose long-held silence is disrupted by the arrival of Randle P. McMurphy. Dyer’s work, known for the Death of England cycle and his acclaimed Othello, brings a sharp contemporary lens to themes of control, institutional power, and resistance. Design by Ben Stones, lighting by Chris Davey, and sound by Benjamin Grant create a world shaped by surveillance and constraint. Performances by Aaron Pierre and Giles Terera anchor a production that examines whose stories are heard, and why.
Storyline
Inside a tightly controlled psychiatric ward, Chief Bromden has remained silent for years as Nurse Ratched maintains strict order. The arrival of Randle P. McMurphy disrupts the routine, challenging the rules that have defined the patients’ lives. As McMurphy pushes against the system, the men rediscover agency, connection, and the risk that comes with defiance. Set against the ward’s relentless structure, the story explores power, identity, and the cost of rebellion. How far will McMurphy go to restore dignity, and what will it cost him?
Show timings
Show timings for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & crew
- Leading roles: Aaron Pierre as Randle P. McMurphy and Giles Terera as Dale Harding
- Director: Clint Dyer
- Playwright: Dale Wasserman
- Based on the novel by: Ken Kesey
- Set & costume designer: Ben Stones
- Lighting designer: Chris Davey
- Sound designer: Benjamin Grant
- Movement: Lucie Pankhurst
- Associate director: Jade Hackett
- Associate wigs, hair & makeup: Keisha-Paris Banya
- Costume supervisor: Maybelle Laye
- Cultural consultant: Nathan Woodward
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, founded in 1818, is one of London’s most influential playhouses, long associated with bold reinterpretations of classic texts. It has hosted landmark productions such as The Master Builder, The Crucible, A Number, and early seasons of the National Theatre under Laurence Olivier. Its proscenium stage and intimate auditorium make it a prime home for contemporary adaptations.
The Old Vic Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting there
- Address: The Cut, London SE1 8NB, United Kingdom
- Tube: Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee, Waterloo & City) is a 3-minute walk; Southwark (Jubilee line) is nearby.
- Bus: Routes 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, and 243 serve the area.
Facilities & accessibility
Available facilities: Bar, cloakroom, restrooms, café
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrances, companion seating, accessible toilets, lift access to certain levels, hearing loops, assistance dog-friendly spaces, access hosts
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’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.
Frequently asked questions about One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
How much do the One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest London tickets cost?
The cost of the tickets starts from £27.50 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
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 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest about?
The story follows Chief Bromden inside a tightly controlled psychiatric ward where silence, coercion, and institutional power shape daily life.
Do I need to read the book before watching?
No. The play stands alone, though familiarity with Ken Kesey’s novel may enhance your understanding of certain characters and themes.
Does this production reference the 1975 film?
No. It is based solely on Dale Wasserman’s play and Kesey’s novel, not the film’s performances or visual design.
How intense are the themes in this staging?
The story includes coercion, psychological control, and institutional harm. These themes are handled thoughtfully but remain impactful.