by RAJIV JOSEPH directed by ADAM KARIM
★★★★★ “A magnificent and extraordinary production that punches far above its weight” LondonTheatre1
★★★★★ “the best play you will see this year” Richmond Nub News
★★★★ “Something very special… Thiara and Hussain put on an incredible performance” WhatsOnStage
★★★★ “Rajiv Joseph’s two-hander is a jewel… Will stay with me a long time” Daily Express
★★★★ “Thiara and Hussain are superb… Another mini-marvel at the Orange Tree” The Arts Desk
★★★★“Couldn’t take my eyes off it, and it stays with me” Libby Purves, Theatre Cat
★★★★ “Darkly comedic and stirringly familiar, Guards at the Taj is remarkable” All That Dazzles
★★★★ “Moving, unusual and funny… beautifully directed by Adam Karim” Broadway World
★★★★ “the charismatic partnership of Thiara and Hussain” The Reviews Hub
“unexpected warmth and humour…laugh-out-loud funny” The Stage
“Beautifully nuanced, what starts out as very funny makes an engrossing ninety minutes” British Theatre Guide
“Superb cast…superb play” Once a Week Theatre
Agra, India, 1648. The sun rises on the final day of construction of the Taj Mahal, the most beautiful monument the world has ever seen. Imperial Guards and best friends Babur and Humayun must once again follow the Emperor’s orders, and resist the temptation to steal a glimpse.
But as morning’s first light touches the pure white domes, the urge is too strong, and Babur and Humayun are about to discover that beauty comes at a terrible price.
This is an audacious, funny and ever-surprising play about friendship, betrayal and power, directed by 2024’s recipient of the JMK Award, Adam Karim.
The UK’s most prestigious theatre directing prize, the JMK Award, is staged annually at the Orange Tree. Following a demanding selection process, a new talent is given the chance to direct a full production of a modern classic. Over 25 years, the JMK has launched some of the brightest directorial stars including Thea Sharrock, Natalie Abrahami, Polly Findlay and Roy Alexander Weise.
The JMK Trust was founded in memory of James Menzies-Kitchin, a theatre director of thrilling promise, to give practical learning opportunities to theatre directors of similar ability and vision.
The OT will have a dedicated prayer room available for the duration of this production. Whilst we do not anticipate the running time of any performance to coincide with the call to prayer, if you wish to make use of the space, please let a member of the front of house team know upon your arrival. We will do our best to accommodate everyone in plenty of time, but please note, as a small theatre, our available space is somewhat limited.
We will also be hosting an alcohol-free performance on Monday 11 November at 7:30pm where there will be no alcoholic drinks on sale throughout the building.
Production photography by Lidia Crisafulli
Show Info
CONTENT ADVICE
This production includes the use of lots of fake blood, strong language, simulated violence and depiction of amputation.
Our content warnings are updated as a production evolves through rehearsals and previews, so please note they may change between booking a ticket and seeing the production.
PERFORMANCE TIMES
Mon – Sat 7.30pm (Wed 30 Oct at 7pm)
Thu & Sat 2.30pm (from Thu 31 Oct)
Members’ and Patrons’ Evening with Post-Show Talk
Wed 6 Nov
Booking is open exclusively to all our Members and Patrons. Membership starts at £60pa and supports the OT to create our ambitious programme of artistic and community work. These evenings are a chance to mingle with fellow Members and Patrons, meet the OT staff, and hear from the cast and creative team of the production.
OT Under 30 Night
Fri 8 Nov
On OT Under 30 Nights, enjoy a FREE DRINK and POST-SHOW TALK all included with your £15 ticket
Post-show discussion led by the OT
Thursday matinees
Admission is free with your ticket to the performance.
Audio Described performance
Mon 4 Nov, 7.30pm
Captioned performances
Thu 7 Nov 7.30pm
Relaxed & Distanced performance
Tue 12 Nov 7.30pm
Alcohol-free performance
Mon 11 Nov 7.30pm
To book accessible seats, and for audio described and captioned, please call the box office on 020 8940 3633 (Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm) or email
box.office@orangetreetheatre.co.uk. If you’re on our Access List, you can log in and book online.
TICKET PRICES
No booking fees. Prices increase based on demand. Book early to secure your seats at the best prices.
Under 30s £15 tickets on all seats for all performances – subject to availability.
£15 access tickets – find out more
£15 tickets available for members of theatre unions and guilds
£1 tickets available through our subsidised ticket scheme –find out more
Cast
Usaamah Ibraheem Hussain
Babur
Maanuv Thiara
Humayun
Creatives
Writer Rajiv Joseph
Director Adam Karim
Designer Roisin Jenner
Lighting Designer Elliot Griggs
Composer Niraj Chag
Sound Designer Xana
Casting Director Matilda James CDG
Movement Director Kane Husbands
Deputy Stage Manager Josette Shipp
Assistant Stage Manager Madeleine Lawless