The show

'We’re all trapped in a cave, Clare. Each of us, all on our own. Staring out of our own little skull-shaped caves.'

Tens of thousands of years ago, Britain’s earliest inhabitants learn that love and violence feed the same fire. 

When strangers arrive at a secluded cave, domestic harmony shatters – and survival turns savage. 

Jack Nicholls’ debut play drags us back to the beginnings of who we are, in a world premiere co-directed by Royal Court Resident Director Aneesha Srinivasan and Artistic Director David Byrne

Genesis Next Generation at The Royal Court - A Genesis Foundation Project. 

Supported by Cockayne Grants for the Arts, a donor advised fund held at Prism the Gift Fund.

The company

Contact list of staff members

  • Jack Nicholls

    Role
    Writer
  • David Byrne

    Pronouns
    (He/him)
    Role
    Co-Director
  • Aneesha Srinivasan

    Pronouns
    (She/her)
    Role
    Co-Director
  • Saffeya Shebli

    Role
    Casting Director
  • Marius Rønning

    Role
    Production Manager
  • Mica Taylor

    Role
    Company Manager
  • Hannah Lyall

    Role
    Lead Producer
  • Steven Atkinson

    Role
    Executive Producer

Booking information

Tickets: £15 - £30

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:

Age UK: Thu 5 Mar, 15:00

Captioned: Thu 5 Apr, 15:00 & 19:45

Babes in Arms: Thu 12 Mar, 15:00

Chilled: Sat 14 Mar, 14:00

View Full Access Performance Calendar

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.