Word-Play

by Rabiah Hussain

Word-Play Top / Details / Extras / The Company
Thu 20 Jul - Sat 26 Aug 2023

We have a limited number of Word-Play tickets available for our Supporter Circle members. If you are a supporter, please contact the Development Team to book, or if you would like to find out more about our Supporter Circle, please visit our Become a Supporter page.

“We’ve got another 10 minutes before shit really hits the fan.”

In the Downing Street Press Office an emergency meeting has been called. The Prime Minister has been ad-libbing on live tv (again) and his words are going viral. There is a flurry of accusations and demands for an apology; but as the team debates what to do next, it’s already too late. His words have found their way to dinner parties, bus journeys and newspaper columns across the nation – and not everyone is angry.

Rabiah Hussain’s new play, directed by Nimmo Ismail, explores how language seeps into public consciousness and reverberates with far reaching consequences that will last for generations.

“History always ripples on. Even if we don’t realise it.”

Word-Play was developed whilst Rabiah Hussain was on attachment as part of the Royal Court Theatre and Kudos Writing Fellowship in 2019.

On Friday 18 August, Rabiah will perform My Voice Is… after that evening’s performance. Find out more about My Voice Is…

Post-show Talk Wed 2 Aug

A Q&A with writer Rabiah Hussain. This event is free with a ticket to that evening’s performance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

'Rabiah Hussain has made a masterpiece - evocative, heart-wrenching and poignant'

North West End

★ ★ ★ ★

'Playful, thoughtful, and deliciously up-to-the-minute'

Evening Standard

★ ★ ★ ★

'A wholly worthwhile, entertaining and meaningful piece of contemporary theatre'

London Box Office

★ ★ ★ ★

'An intimate reflection on the power of words'

Why Now

'Boldly, excitingly experimental'

Guardian

'Meditative - it captures language’s ability both to divide people, and to unite them'

The Stage

'Blade-sharp - there's so much about this play that'll stick in your throat'

Time Out

'Highly, hilariously, and painfully recognisable - an important premiere in terms of politics as well as theatre'

Alastair Macaulay

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Jerwood Theatre Upstairs

Mon – Sat: 7.45pm (Wed 26 Jul, 7pm) 

Thu & Sat matinees: 3pm 

Age recommendation: 14+.

Running time: 80 minutes, no interval and no re-entry.

This production contains pulsing lights, moments of blackout and strong language.

Content Warnings

Self-Care Guide

Read full details about your visit to the Royal Court

Ways to Save

Access Performances

Captioned: Wed 16 Aug, 7.45pm, Sat 26 Aug, 3pm

Relaxed Environment: Sat 19 Aug, 3pm

Access information

General ticket information

Image by Louise Richardson

Extras

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