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Red Velvet Tickets

Performance dates

23 January - 27 February 2016

Run time 2 hrs 20 min including 1 interval Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm

Includes interval

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The Tricycle Theatre Production of
Red Velvet
Imagined experiences based on the true story of Ira Aldridge

by LOLITA CHAKRABARTI
Cast includes ADRIAN LESTER
23 JANUARY - 27 FEBRUARY 2016

Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, 1833. Edmund Kean, the greatest actor of his generation, has collapsed on stage whilst playing Othello. A young black American actor has been asked to take over the role. But as the public riot in the streets over the abolition of slavery, how will the cast, critics and audience react to the revolution taking place in the theatre? 

This multi-award winning play, which originally premiered at the Tricycle Theatre, before transferring to St Ann's Warehouse in New York, will be the third production in the Plays at the Garrick Season and will be directed by Indhu Rubasingham. Olivier-Award winner Adrian Lester will reprise his role as Ira Aldridge. 

Kenneth Branagh said "Writing, direction and performance are exceptional in Red Velvet. I’m immensely proud to be presenting this work. I was aware of its development from its inception and believe Lolita Chakrabarti has written an important and exhilarating play which in its discussion of performance, politics, and race is as entertaining as it is illuminating."

Group Pricing

Special pricing for groups of 10 or moreCheck our group prices and save!

Recent Reviews

4.5
106 reviews
EMMANUELLE SERRANO

I enjoyed the play very much but I bought a seat supposedly without pillar in view. And yet there was one damned real in my vision field. When you travel especially from Paris to see the play, that's a little bit hard to swallow.

helene mellotte

excellent play with an outstanding performance from adrian lester

Nalia Thurgood

Met all expectations, unsurprising with Adrian Lester as lead. Very thought provoking and the ending lends itself to a sequel.

Kristen Thorley

I loved it. Check out my review at honesttheatrereviews.com

Clara Henrichsen

Great performance from everyone. Enjoyed it very much!

Linda. anne Etheridge

Serious, humorous, tense, relaxed a clever production with some exquisite movement, characterisation and quality direction. Surprises abound whilst attempting to address the relevant issues of the 21st Century whilst reflecting on the past.

Brenda Mclachlan

The show was very enjoyable , the actors were brilliant. It was more than I expected. Worth seeing!

Karen Beale

The play was superb. The seats should have been marked with slight restricted view (dress circle A1 & A2). We couldn't see our side of the stage at all and we paid nearly £75 per ticket. Not good enough I'm afraid

Asquith Gibbes

Very good, though provoking.

s kernan

Red Velvet was well written and delivered. The story made for uncomfortable viewing, as it was meant to. The characters were "real" and the audience was taken into their conflicted circle. Adrian Lester and Charlotte Lucas were outstanding and I would encourage anyone who loves theatre to see it.

Lesley Taylor

I found the story confusing with the flashback not clearly explained

Samuel A Charleston

Outstanding piece of theatre!

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