Oedipus (Wyndham’s Theatre) in London
Some plots never age or date. Oedipus, written by Sophocles in 496 BCE, is one of them. The story behind this particular production is also dramatic, on its way to the West End after significant delays, and lovers of classic theatre are chuffed to bits. This is Oedipus done the Robert Icke way, with quality written through it like a stick of rock.

As the saying goes, behind every great man is a great woman. This is election night and things are heating up. The polls say there’s a landslide victory on the cards and that means everything is going to change. Sophocles’ epic tragedy is spookily relevant to today, transformed skilfully into an essential, explosive modern human thriller.

About Oedipus at Wyndhams Theatre
After debuting in Amsterdam in 2019 to great acclaim and thrilling audiences at the Edinburgh festival, Icke’s interpretation of Oedipus was due for an English language debut in 2021 with Helen Mirren lined up for the role of Jocasta. Then covid hit and it was postponed indefinitely in 2020. Now Oedipus comes to Wyndham’s Theatre at last, for a strictly limited season from 4th October 2024.

See Mark Strong and Lesley Manville in Oedipus at Wyndham’s Theatre
Mark Strong plays Oedipus and Lesley Manville plays Jocasta. Strong wowed us in The Red Barn during 2016 and hasn’t been on stage since. Manville has been busy with seasons 5 and 6 of The Crown, playing Princess Margaret. She has replaced Mirren, who is otherwise engaged. With two fine actors like this lined up and a director to die for, it promises to be a memorable experience.

Multi-award-winning actor Mark Strong was in A View from the Bridge at the Young Vic, West End and Broadway. His theatre credits also include Closer, Death of a Salesman, King Lear and Richard III at the National, Uncle Vanya at the Donmar Warehouse, Speed the Plow at the New Ambassadors Theatre and The Iceman Cometh at the Almeida. An Olivier for Best Actor, Tony nomination for Best Actor in a Play, Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Play and more prove his talent. He also comes with impeccable TV and movie credentials.

Lesley Manville’s theatre credits include Long Day’s Journey Into Night, which won her an Olivier nomination for Best Actress. Ghosts netted her the Olivier for Best Actress and Critics Circle Best Actress Award, and Grief resulted in an Olivier nomination for Best Actress. Her extensive list of great TV and movie roles is just as impressive.

The play is presented in the West End by Sonia Friedman Productions.