The year is 1553, the true Golden Age of English football. It’s the Allen Valley Whitsun Game, and men will die today.
This is the big game, and it’s been raging for hours. Percy and Rowan are out in the middle of nowhere, miles from the action, when a stranger joins them, a stranger with tidings that will blow their world apart.
Time passes. Night falls. The great chain of being collapses. And they’re losing the bloody football.
Written by Stewart Pringle and directed by Jack McNamara, The Bounds is a darkly comedic tale of national divides, folk horror and the end of the world as we know it.
A Royal Court Theatre & Live Theatre co-production.
Special Event Series
Programmed alongside the London premier of Stewart Pringle’s The Bounds, join a whole host of special guests for exclusive panel discussions & events that dig deeper into the themes of the play.
Entry to these events is free with a ticket to that evening’s performance.
Writers Night: Northern Special | Tues 18 June
On Writers Nights we invite all participants of our writers’ programmes (past and present) to join us for a post-show social with drinks, snacks, and the opportunity to meet fellow creatives. This time, we’re having an open call for all writers to come to our Northern Special. Whether you’re a northern playwright in London, or a playwright wanting to find out more about opportunities in the North, any writer is welcome.
Creating The Bounds Wed 19 June
Stewart Pringle, writer, in conversation with Gillian Greer, Associate Playwright and Dramaturg
“Stick to football!” Wed 26 June
The history of football, politics and politics in football with Professor Steven Gunn, Rachael Welsh & special guests from across sports journalism and theatre.
What the F*lk Horror? Tue 2 July
A deep dive into folklore, horror and witchcraft with Stewart Pringle, Lydia Higman (Gunter) & Vinay Patel
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Monday – Friday: 3pm and 7.45pm
Saturdays: 2pm and 6.45pm
Running time: 90 minutes (no interval)
Age recommendation: 14+
This show contains flashing lights, use of haze and moments of darkness.
Read full details about your visit to the Royal Court
Access Performances
Captioned: Fri 5 July, 7.45pm and Sat 6 July, 2pm
Relaxed Environment: Sat 6 July, 2pm
