Royal Court Theatre, Berliner Ensemble and Brian & Danya Lee present Man to Man

Written by Manfred Karge, translated by Anthony Vivis. Directed by Stephen Unwin
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The show

In 1930s Germany, a woman puts on her dead husband’s trousers and never takes them off. 

As the world around her changes, she endures war and dictatorship, hunger and humiliation – always fighting to stay alive.  

More than 30 years after she first brought the role to life, Tilda Swinton (We Need to Talk About Kevin, Orlando) makes a long-awaited return to stage as Ella/Max in Manfred Karge’s Man to Man - the role she originated in the acclaimed 1988 UK premiere at the Traverse Theatre and Royal Court. 

This landmark revival reunites the multi-award-winning creative team, including director Stephen Unwin (The Conquest of the South Pole) and designer Bunny Christie (People, Places and Things) ahead of transferring to the Berliner Ensemble and a run in New York City in Spring 2027.

Never go back!”, it’s often said, but revisiting Manfred Karge’s Man to Man with Tilda Swinton once again wearing the Y-fronts, Bunny Christie designing and Ben Ormerod lighting, is a rare creative opportunity. It will be thrilling to return to the Royal Court and see this remarkable play bloom again.

Stephen Unwin

The company

CAST

  • Tilda Swinton

    Role
    Performer

Contact list of staff members

  • Manfred Karge

    Role
    Writer

  • Anthony Vivis

    Role
    Translator

  • Stephen Unwin

    Pronouns
    (He/him)
    Role
    Director

  • Bunny Christie

    Role
    Designer

  • Ben Ormerod

    Role
    Lighting Designer

  • Verity Sadler

    Role
    Design Associate

  • Elena Peña

    Role
    Sound Designer

  • Kane Husbands

    Role
    Movement Director

  • Zara Drohan

    Role
    Production Manager

  • Mica Taylor

    Role
    Company Manager

  • Hannah Lyall

    Role
    Lead Producer

  • Steven Atkinson

    Role
    Executive Producer

Booking information

Tickets: £15 - £74.50

Concessions available for Over 65s, Equity/BECTU/WGGB, Unwaged, Students and audiences aged 25 and under on all Thursday and Saturday performances.

Monday Tickets:

Monday Tickets at the Royal Court have been legendary since 1979. Every Monday, all tickets are just £15 in both the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs and Upstairs. 

Ticket FAQs

Can I get a refund or exchange my ticket?

Refunds are only offered if a performance is cancelled.

If you can’t attend, we can offer:

  • An exchange to another performance
  • A credit voucher valid for 1 year

Just let us know at least 48 hours before the show. 

We do not offer partial refunds. If your chosen price band is sold out for the new date, we’ll match you to the closest available band instead. 

Ticket Resale & Reissue

If a show has sold out: 

  • We’re happy to try and resell your tickets (once all other house tickets are gone)
  • If we’re successful, you’ll be issued credit valid for 1 year
  • Tickets can’t be resold via unauthorised third-party sellers 

Tickets transferred or sold via unauthorised channels may be cancelled without refund, and any Royal Court memberships may be revoked. 

Ticket Delivery
  • We use e-tickets - show them on your phone or tablet
  • Don’t have a device or printer? Let Box Office staff know when you arrive, and we’ll help 
Age Guidance

Most shows are suitable for ages 14+, though some may have a higher recommendation. Check the individual production page for guidance. 

Fees & Charges
  • No booking fees on e-tickets booked directly through us
  • All tickets include a £1.50 restoration levy, supporting essential maintenance and upkeep
  • Tickets sold for other venues (e.g. West End transfers) may include a booking fee
  • Third-party agents may charge additional fees 
Your Visit: Theatre Terms

The management reserves the right to: 

  • Refuse admission or ask audience members to leave
  • Deny latecomers entry or delay it until an appropriate break
  • Cancel performances due to cast illness or external issues (without liability beyond a refund or exchange)
  • Note that trigger warnings and content advisories are listed online and emailed to bookers ahead of the show 

Access

Access Performances:

Chilled: Sat 3 Oct, 13:30

BSL Interpreted: Wed 7 Oct, 19:30

Captioned: Fri 9 Oct, 19:30, Sat 24 Oct 13:30

Audio-Described: Sat 10 Oct, 13:30 

View Full Access Performance Calendar

Follow up

Dates & times

£15 Mondays

Monday Tickets at the Royal Court have been legendary since 1979. Every Monday, all tickets are just £15. Available to book from 9am on the day of the show. Subject to availability. Online only.

Online booking for this event opens at 09:00 on the day of the performance. 

For priority booking please log in to your account.  If you are a Supporter, Royal Court Friend, or have been emailed by the theatre regarding access to priority booking then please log in to your account and return to this page.


Once you have completed your purchase, log in and return to this page to access the sales screen for this event.