Royal Court Theatre, David Stone, Debra Martin Chase, Marc Platt and Robyn Coles present The Steppenwolf Theatre Company Production of Purpose
By Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. Directed by Phylicia Rashad.The show
The Tony Award-winning and Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway sensation.
From civil rights leaders to pastors and congressmen, the Jasper dynasty is a pillar of Black American Politics – with a reputation to protect. When a snowstorm traps three generations under one roof, family secrets claw their way to the surface.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins's 2025 Tony Award-winning Best Play and Pulitzer Prize-winning drama is a portrait of a family struggling to live up to its own legacy.
Presented by the internationally renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company (Downstate, August: Osage County) in a European Premiere straight from Broadway, directed by Phylicia Rashad (Grey’s Anatomy).
Kalyne Coleman (Interview with the Vampire) will join the original Broadway company Alana Arenas (David Makes Man), Glenn Davis (Downstate), Jon Michael Hill (Pass Over), Harry Lennix (Justice League), and LaTanya Richardson Jackson (To Kill a Mockingbird).
'Hilarious and explosive, Purpose is a densely packed powder keg of a play' Washington Post
'A merciless dissection of hypocrisy – you have trouble catching your breath from laughing so hard' New York Times
'A thrilling battle royale... the superb Steppenwolf ensemble gives bravura performances' The New Yorker
'Unstoppably fierce, funny and ruthless. The highlight of the Broadway season' New York Post
'A funny, heady, irreverent excavation into the psyche of an American family' Vogue
Winner: Tony Award for Best Play 2025
Winner: Pulitzer Prize for Drama 2025
Image gallery
Purpose Production Images (Broadway) by Marc J. Franklin
The company
Cast
Alana Arenas
Kalyne Coleman
Glenn Davis
Jon Michael Hill
Harry Lennix
LaTanya Richardson Jackson
Contact list of staff members
Branden Jacobs-Jenkin
Phylicia Rashad
Todd Rosenthal
Dede Ayite
Amith Chandrashaker
Rob Milburn & Michael Bodeen
Nikiya Mathis
Jonathan L. Green
Tiffany N. Robinson
JC Clementz, CSA
Calleri Jensen Davis
Saffeya Shebli
Bryar Barborka
Marius Rønning
Mica Taylor
Steven Atkinson
Booking information
Tickets: £15 - £74.50
Concessions available for Over 65s, Equity/BECTU/WGGB, Unwaged, Students and audiences aged 25 and under on all Preview, 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.
- Available to book from 9am on the day of the show
- Online only
- Limited number available in advance for Royal Court Friends/Members, Writers Card+ Members & Supporters
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: Tue 20 Feb, 13:30
Captioned: Tue 23 Feb, 19:30
Audio Described: Sat 27 Feb, 13:30 (Touch Tour, 12pm)
Dates & times
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.