directed by TOM LITTLER with FRANCESCA ELLIS
starring DAVID SUCHET
For good or ill, let the wheel turn.
1170. A nation divided. Once the best of friends, King Henry II and his Archbishop, Thomas Becket, are now mortal enemies. Ignoring his allies’ fears, Becket, the ‘turbulent priest’, returns to Canterbury, tempting the monarch’s wrath. As the women of Canterbury seek shelter in the sacred space of the cathedral, four knights ride out on a deadly mission. The only question: who will blink first?
T.S. Eliot’s 1936 verse drama is one of his crowning achievements. In it, he explores questions that haunt his writing: of worldly and spiritual authority; faith and doubt; temptation and martyrdom.
David Suchet returns to theatre to play Thomas Becket. Besides his iconic role as Hercule Poirot, the Emmy Award-winning Suchet’s five-decade stage career includes Amadeus, Oleanna, and All My Sons. OT Artistic and Community Directors Tom Littler and Francesca Ellis stage a sweeping, atmospheric drama blending dazzling poetry with live choral music, in Richmond’s striking St John the Divine church.
Show Info
PERFORMANCE LOCATION
Please note this performance will take place at St John the Divine church, Richmond, TW9 2NA, located directly opposite us on Kew Road.
ACCESS INFORMATION
The balcony at St John the Divine has no step-free access. This means that some seats at the venue may not be suitable for wheelchair users or anyone unable to use stairs. Please get in touch with our box office team if you would like any further information.
PERFORMANCE TIMES
Mon, Wed, Fri 7.30pm
(Thu, Sat 8pm)
Thu & Sat 4pm
No performance Tue
CONTENT ADVICE
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.
MEMBERS’ AND PATRONS’ EVENING WITH POST SHOW-TALK
Wed 21 Oct
Booking is open exclusively to all our Members and Patrons.
Membership starts at £60 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 30 Oct, 7.30pm
On OT Under 30 Nights, enjoy a free drink and post-show talk all included with your £15 ticket.
RELAXED & DISTANCED PERFORMANCE
Wed 28 Oct, 7.30pm
AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE
Wed 4 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.
£15 tickets for Under 30s 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
David Suchet
Thomas Becket
Creative Team
T.S. Eliot
Writer
Tom Littler
Director
Francesca Ellis
Director
About St John the Divine - FAQs
Where is St John the Divine church?
St John the Divine church is right over the road from our home on Kew Road.
It’s a 1 minute walk from the OT, on the corner of Church Road and Kew Road.
Will there be reserved seating?
Yes – seats can be purchased as normal – all seating is reserved.
Will there be a bar?
Yes – there will be a bar in the church with alcoholic and soft drink options.
Are there bathrooms?
Yes! Including accessible bathrooms.
Is there level access?
There is level access to the main part of the church, but there is no step free access to the balcony. Please feel free to get in touch with our box office team if you have any access questions.
Access tickets can be purchased in the usual way.