Bluets

Based on the book by Maggie Nelson. Adapted for the stage by Margaret Perry.

Bluets Top / Details / Extras / The Company
Fri 17 May - Sat 29 Jun 2024

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Suppose I were to begin by saying that I had fallen in love with a colour.”

Bluets is a story about depression and desire, pleasure and pain, and a person possessed by a lifelong obsession with the colour blue. Communing with artists like Joni Mitchell, Derek Jarman, Andy Warhol and Billie Holiday, blue is their constant companion as they navigate the devastating pain of a life-altering heartbreak.

Based on acclaimed author Maggie Nelson’s unique and electrifying book, Bluets is an adaptation by playwright Margaret Perry (Paradise Now!, Porcelain, Collapsible), directed by Katie Mitchell (Little Scratch, Anatomy of a Suicide).

Performed by Emma D’Arcy (House of the Dragon), Kayla Meikle (ear for eye) and Ben Whishaw (Cock, James Bond, This is Going to Hurt, Paddington).

Originally developed at Deutsches Schauspielhaus Hamburg.

*Emma D’Arcy, Kayla Meikle and Ben Whishaw are scheduled to appear in every show.

 

‘The book that changed my life… it’s just brilliant.’ Sophie Mackintosh, Guardian on Maggie Nelson’s Bluets 

‘An arty, smart and gorgeous meditation on the color blue’ Time Out on Maggie Nelson’s Bluets 

Post-show talk Wed 5 June

A conversation with the creative team of Bluets. This event is free with a ticket to that evening’s performance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Spellbinding portrait of obsession"

Metro

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“dramatic and cinematic”

The Reviews Hub Read full review

★ ★ ★ ★

"Whishaw, D’Arcy and Meikle, together with the technical crew, deliver the play with immense skill, deft precision and mesmerising grace"

Financial Times Read full review

★ ★ ★ ★

“A complex fusion of technology and technique, flawlessly done”

The Standard Read full review

★ ★ ★ ★

"suffused with wistful beauty"

The Stage Read full review

★ ★ ★ ★

“experimental and engrossing”

WhatsOnStage Read full review

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Jerwood Theatre Downstairs

Monday – Friday: 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Saturday: 1.30pm and 6.30pm

Running time: 80 minutes (no interval)

Age recommendation: 16+

This show contains flashing lights. Please see Content Warnings below for more information.

Content Warnings

Self-Care Guide

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Ways to Save

Access Performances

BSL: Sat 15 June

Relaxed Environment: Sat 22 June

Captioned: Fri 28 and Sat 29 June

Audio Described: Sat 29 June

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General ticket information

Access the Bluets self care guide here.

Extras

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- Concessions Matinee Audio-described Show all