Southwark Playhouse

The Happiest Man on Earth | "Family first, family second, and family last"

Adapted from Eddie Jaku's best Selling Memoir, The Happiest Man on Earth is a one-man play about the power of gratitude, tolerance, and kindness. Playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough 20 November - 14 December 2024. Tickets from £16: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-happiest-man-on-earth/

The Happiest Man on Earth | "Without friendship we are lost"

An important message for us all to remember

The Happiest Man on Earth | "I left my father at the hotel"

Have you come across Eddie Jaku's inspirational memoir The Happiest Man on Earth?

KENREX 'Coyote Catch Me if You Can' | 14 February - 15 March

'911, what’s your emergency?' 'My husband... they shot him... they all did.' "A brilliantly theatrical, exhilarating and terrifying evocation of chaos." - The Daily Telegraph "Astonishing... Demands to be seen." - The Guardian Exciting new play KENREX is coming to Southwark Playhouse Borough 14 February - 15 March

KENREX Official Trailer | 14 February - 15 March

July 10th, 1981, Missouri. Smalltown bully, Ken Rex McElroy rules Skidmore with an iron fist. His ten year reign of terror has involved theft, intimidation, assault, abduction and attempted murder — but, thanks to his slippery defence attorney and the rusty cogs of the American justice system, Ken Rex has never spent a night behind bars. But, when Ken shoots pillar of the community, greengrocer Bo Bowenkamp and leaves him for dead, the good folk of Skidmore decide that enough is enough. If the courts won’t bring Ken to heel, they will. Direct from an acclaimed run at Sheffield Theatres, receiving 5 Star Reviews from The Daily Telegraph and WhatsOnStage, KENREX is the unbelievable true story of a community taking back control — part Western, part True Crime, with a-foot stomping live Americana soundtrack.

Fly More Than You Fall Audience Reactions | Must end 23 November

Star of Broadway, West End and The Greatest Showman, Tony-nominated Keala Settle joins the cast of this sensational new musical. Based on lived experiences the uplifting and inspiring show navigates grief with some incredible songs that are bound to get stuck in your head! This isn’t just a musical, it’s a journey that will break your heart and mend it all in one night. Following her Mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis Malia’s life is thrown into turmoil. Yet as she navigates the next stage of her own life, Malia finds solace and strength in her writing and in her stories, Malia creates an imaginative world where a brave bird named Willow mirrors her own journey of resilience and growth. Book tickets: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/fly-more-than-you-fall/

The Happiest Man on Earth "Family first, family second, and family last"

Adapted from Eddie Jaku's best Selling Memoir, The Happiest Man on Earth is a one-man play about the power of gratitude, tolerance, and kindness. Playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough 20 November - 14 December.

The Happiest Man on Earth "I left my father at the hotel"

Have you come across Eddie Jaku's inspirational memoir The Happiest Man on Earth?

The Happiest Man on Earth "Without friendship we are lost"

An important message for us all to remember

A Very Naughty Christmas Official Trailer | 28 November - 11 January

Santa’s coming! Direct from down under, Australia’s favourite adults only Christmas comedy is coming to London. Llet loose and indulge in some adult-only ‘elf-care’ with our live band, eight above-average performers and plenty of surprises from Santa’s sack. A Very Naughty Christmas is a comedy concert packed with stand-up, skits, parodied songs, dancing, singing, burlesque and a whole bunch of silliness.

A Very Naughty Christmas | 28 November - 11 January

Michelle Visage on producing SCISSORHANDZ

Sashay all the way to Southwark Playhouse Elephant this January for a joyful new musical parody, SCISSORHANDZ

*NYSNC's Lance Bass on producing SCISSORHANDZ

Listen up Scissorfans! ✂️

The Ungodly Official Trailer | Running until 16 November

“It’s an apocalyptic fight for God, and it’s a fight that we must win” 1645. A dark shadow is spreading across England with suspicions of witchcraft on the rise. In the remote village of Mistley, Susan Edwards, step-sister of self-proclaimed Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins, has a choice to make. Does she choose to believe that the powers of Satan have found their way into their homes – or instead, search for the truth in a community torn apart by fear, intolerance, and hysteria?

Fly More Than You Fall 'Somewhere to Remember' First Listen | Playing until 23 November

Following her Mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis Malia’s life is thrown into turmoil. Yet as she navigates the next stage of her own life, Malia finds solace and strength in her writing and in her stories, Malia creates an imaginative world where a brave bird named Willow mirrors her own journey of resilience and growth. Through the support of her friends, the guidance of her family, and her own inner resolve (along with a banging soundtrack), Malia learns to face her fears and embrace hope, discovering that even in the darkest times, we can find the courage to soar. In a society that doesn’t talk about grief we may all feel alone at times – Fly More Than You Fall gives us all a chance to lift each other and heal together with Malia.

Wilko Official Trailer | 20 Mar - 19 Apr

In 2012, Wilko Johnson, the iconic rock star and founder of legendary Essex band Dr Feelgood, was told he had inoperable cancer and a year to live. Refusing all treatment, he decided to spend his last months living meaningfully: seeing the people, places and things which meant most to him during his remarkable life. Then, a miracle happened…. A mixture of words, rock ‘n roll, and quotes from the man himself, Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ‘n Roll tells the amazing, uplifting true story of Wilko, the Canvey Island legend.

Fly More Than You Fall 'Up There' First Listen | 18 October - 23 November

Following her Mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis Malia’s life is thrown into turmoil. Yet as she navigates the next stage of her own life, Malia finds solace and strength in her writing and in her stories, Malia creates an imaginative world where a brave bird named Willow mirrors her own journey of resilience and growth. Through the support of her friends, the guidance of her family, and her own inner resolve (along with a banging soundtrack), Malia learns to face her fears and embrace hope, discovering that even in the darkest times, we can find the courage to soar. In a society that doesn’t talk about grief we may all feel alone at times – Fly More Than You Fall gives us all a chance to lift each other and heal together with Malia.

Land of The Free Official Trailer | Playing until 9 Nov

1865. The United States are disunited by politics, power and race. To celebrate the end of Civil War, a victorious Abraham Lincoln goes to the theatre. Not long into the show a man walks in and shoots him. Who was he? Why did he do it? And why does it matter now? In the lead up to a tumultuous American election this November, the award winning Simple8 examine the present by visiting the past, with a searing new play about John Wilkes Booth, the actor who assassinated a President.

The Ungodly Behind The Scenes | 23 Oct - 16 Nov

1645. A dark shadow is spreading across England with suspicions of witchcraft on the rise. In the remote village of Mistley, Susan Edwards, step-sister of self-proclaimed Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins, has a choice to make. Does she choose to believe that the powers of Satan have found their way into their homes – or instead, search for the truth in a community torn apart by fear, intolerance, and hysteria?

Foreverland Official Trailer | Playing until 19 Oct

★★★★ The Stage ★★★★ Broadway World ★★★★ LondonTheatre1 In the very near future, Alice and Jay decide to undergo a new form of gene therapy which will radically extend the length of their lives. They’re optimistic, hoping the decision will lead to perfect careers, the perfect relationship, and most of all, a perfect family. Life’s good. And you can’t get enough of a good thing, right? Part sci-fi thriller, part relationship drama, Foreverland is a gripping story about the future of biotechnology, which asks what makes a good life, for this generation and the next.

Foreverland in rehearsals

Would you like to live forever? We might if it means we get to see this incredible show more times! Check out the cast of Foreverland in rehearsals. Tickets from £16.

Julius Caesar Audience Reactions | Must End 5 Oct

Creative Captioning in Julius Caesar | Playing until 5 Oct

We chatted with Director Max Lewendel about the use of creative captions within Icarus Theatre Collective's version of Julius Caesar to enhance audience experiences. Julius Caesar is currently playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 5 October 2024. Find Out More: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/julius-caesar/

Julius Caesar Official Trailer | Playing until 5 Oct

As betrayal unfolds and power shifts, no one is safe in the world of Julius Caesar. Witness Cassius, Brutus, and Mark Antony navigate a battlefield of ambition, loyalty, and chaos. Will Rome survive the consequences of their actions? Set in a dystopian future, this is Shakespeare for the Game of Thrones generation.

Foreverland | Emma Hemingford on writing Foreverland | 2 - 19 Oct

Emma Hemingford, Writer of new play Foreverland, talks about the show and her sci-fi inspirations in this short interview clip. About Foreverland: If you could live forever, would you choose to? In the very near future, Alice and Jay decide to undergo a new form of gene therapy which will radically extend the length of their lives. They’re optimistic, hoping the decision will lead to perfect careers, the perfect relationship, and most of all, a perfect family. Life’s good. And you can’t get enough of a good thing, right? Part sci-fi thriller, part relationship drama, Foreverland is a gripping story about the future of biotechnology, which asks what makes a good life, for this generation and the next. Foreverland plays at Southwark Playhouse Borough from 2 - 19 October 2024. Tickets from £10. Book today: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/foreverland/

The Happiest Man on Earth Teaser Trailer | 20 Nov - 14 Dec

Adapted from the Best Selling Memoir, The Happies Man on Earth is a one-man play about the power of gratitude, tolerance, and kindness. Born in Leipzig, Germany, Eddie Jaku was a teenager when his world was turned upside down. After seven years of struggle and tremendous loss in and out of Buchenwald & Auschwitz, he somehow found the will to survive. After the war, he made a promise to smile every day in thanks for the precious gift of life. At 100 years old, he considers himself the Happiest Man on Earth and shares his story with the world. This production, beautifully crafted by Mark St. Germain, finely tuned by director Ron Lagomarsino, and starring Kenneth Tigar in a "Tour De Force" performance, is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul. It’s a reminder of how quickly our lives can change and the importance of standing up to hate.

Julius Caesar Taking Over London!

From the Senate to the Streets - Julius Caesar's taking over London. Grab your tickets now, starting from just £16!

Julius Caesar | Behind Rehearsal Doors | 6 Sep - 5 Oct

Today, information spreads rapidly and public opinion can be swayed with a single tweet. Julius Caesar, an exploration of manipulation and the fragility of power is more relevant than ever, as leaders quickly rise and fall in the court of public opinion. Join Icarus Theatre Collective for a boldly modern re-telling of Shakespeare's political thriller at Southwark Playhouse Borough. Playing for a strictly limited run from 6 Sep - 5 Oct 2024.

Beware the Ides of March | Julius Caesar 6 Sep - 5 Oct

Power. Betrayal. Chaos. How far will you go for what you believe?

Meet The Cast of Julius Caesar | Tickets from £10

The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary | 5 Dec - 11 Jan

Emma Bovary is bored. She’s bored with her boring doctor husband, bored with her boring provincial village and bored with her role as a dutiful wife in (boring) nineteenth-century France. But Emma reads novels. Lots of novels. And in novels, life is much more fun… Now, four actors battle hilarious mishaps and misbehaving props to tell the (massively) tragic story of Madame Bovary.​ Laugh and cry in equal measure as Emma Bovary chooses the wrong husband. Lose yourself in mesmeric love scenes featuring a stupendous collection of devastatingly handsome men. Question the impotence of women in a patriarchal, Victorian society (if you want). There will be vermin, visual absurdity, wild animals and a nun. Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary was published in 1856, prosecuted for obscenity and hailed as the greatest novel ever written. Flaubert’s complex novel is given a refreshing shake up in this irreverent, irrepressible and irresistible play. Book Now: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-massive-tragedy-of-madame-bovary/

It’s time to Strike! | When We Strike showing 30 – 31 Aug

It’s 1888, Victorian London - just a stone’s throw away from Southwark Playhouse a group of working-class girls in East-London are barely making ends meet. Industry moguls assume they can exploit them, unopposed. They should think again… With abhorrent working conditions in the factory responsible for a mysterious and deadly disease, the Match Girls band together to stand up to the capitalist elite with a strike that sparked the British Labour movement and ultimately changed the world. When We Strike is a brand new Punk-Rock musical inspired by historical events landing at Southwark Playhouse Elephant 30 - 31 August, from esteemed new writing duo Caitlyn Burt and Amir Shoenfield in association with UK’s leading youth musical theatre company, BYMT. Join the movement and let’s make some noise. Tickets on sale now from just £16: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/when-we-strike/

Question Time with Dorian Cast

Welcome to 'The Large' auditorium with the cast of Dorian: The Musical! It's time for some seriously fun theatre themed questions! Dorian: The Musical is our new musical based on the Oscar Wilde classic novel, currently playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 10 August 2024. Book yourself a Summer treat: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/dorian-the-musical/

A Very Naughty Christmas | Coming 28 Nov - 11 Jan

Direct from down under, Australia’s favourite adults-only Christmas comedy is coming to London, and trust us, the tree won’t be the only thing getting lit! This Christmas, let loose and indulge in some adult-only ‘elf-care’ with our live band, eight above-average performers and plenty of surprises from Santa's sack. If you like having a laugh, partial nudity and a playlist with everything from classic carols (which you’ll never hear the same way again) to modern pop, A Very Naughty Christmas is the show that’s sure to get you in a holiday mood. So whether you're planning to be naughty or nice this year, pour a glass of cool Chardy and join us for a night of escapism, debauchery and some very rogue jingle bells.

New Musicals at Southwark Playhouse

We pride ourselves in being pioneers for new musical works, giving creatives the opportunity to experiment and develop new theatre - something we all need. Over the last year, and with our expansion to two theatre venues, more than ever, we've allowed space for new musicals. Here's a small taste of what we've been up to! #SupportNewMusicals

Dorian: The Musical Audience Reactions | Until 10 Aug

"Oscar Wilde would be amazingly proud of that" "Come to Southwark Playhouse. Come see new musicals. Come see new work" Dorian: The Musical is currently playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough, only until 10 August 2024. Featuring a glam-rock score and based on the Oscar Wilde classic novel, this show has something for everyone! Don't miss out - book your tickets here: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/dorian-the-musical/

I'm Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire - Now Playing until 24 Aug!

Shelby decides to risk it all for love, kidnap Tobey Maguire, and marry him… in her basement. I'm Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire now runs until 24 August 2024.

I'm Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire | Official Trailer

Direct from its critically acclaimed sold-out New York premiere, I'm Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire by Samantha Hurley extends at Southwark Playhouse Borough for a further 4 weeks. Now playing until 24 August! When leading a devout online fan club proves insufficient to her needs, Shelby decides to risk it all for love, kidnap Tobey Maguire, and marry him… in her basement. Performances now run until 24 August 2024. Book Now: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/im-gonna-marry-you-tobey-maguire/

The Children's Inquiry - Audience Reactions

Hear from our audiences, including George Robinson (Sex Education) about The Children's Inquiry - a revolutionary true story crafted from the voices of the children themselves. “It’s a feat of a show, delivered with courage and devotion, kindling rage as well as offering soaring hope” ★★★★★ The Stage “An exhilarating piece of political theatre: engaged, sophisticated, insistent” ★★★★ The Guardian “Zippy soundtrack that embraces everything from beatboxy electro to doo-wop” ★★★★ The Standard “An urgent and sophisticated call to arms. And it’s one none of us should ignore” ★★★★★ WhatsOnStage Co-Commissioned by The Lowry. Originally developed with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Havering Council. Developed with the support of the National Theatre’s Generate programme.

Dorian: The Musical Official Trailer

Love musicals? Love Oscar Wilde? Dorian: The Musical, a modern, queer adaptation plays for a strictly limited run until 10 August. Book Now.

Dorian The Musical | Official Trailer

★★★★★ "From the moment I saw a Kim Kardashian quote in the programme, I knew I was in for a wild(e) ride. This isn’t your grandmother’s Dorian Gray, darlings" West End Evenings

Better Future Now - Trailer from The Children's Inquiry

Social workers tell Jelicia that she is their success story. Frank is on his eighth foster home. At school no one knows Amber and Angelica are in care. To own their present, these teenagers must first unearth their past. How else can they make a better future now? At their youth club, worlds are about to collide. Heart thumping beats and anarchic choreography intertwine to tell the hidden stories of children in care. A revolutionary true story crafted from the voices of the children themselves by multi-award-winning LUNG. “It’s a feat of a show, delivered with courage and devotion, kindling rage as well as offering soaring hope” ★★★★★ The Stage “An exhilarating piece of political theatre: engaged, sophisticated, insistent” ★★★★ The Guardian “Zippy soundtrack that embraces everything from beatboxy electro to doo-wop” ★★★★ The Standard “An urgent and sophisticated call to arms. And it’s one none of us should ignore” ★★★★★ WhatsOnStage Co-Commissioned by The Lowry. Originally developed with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Havering Council. Developed with the support of the National Theatre’s Generate programme.

Love New Musicals? Love Oscar Wilde?

Oscar Wilde's gothic masterpiece is given a glam, modern, musical twist. Dorian: The Musical now playing at Southwark Playhouse. Book tickets from only £16!

"Equal parts terrified and laughing out loud" | Audience react to I'm Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire

When leading a devout online fan club proves insufficient to her needs, Shelby decides to risk it all for love, kidnap Tobey Maguire, and marry him… in her basement. ★★★★★ “It’s a wild and wonderful ride! A delightful modern-day farce about movie-star worship, kidnapping, fandom, the anxiety of teens, the horror of school, parents and desperately searching for self, sure to put a smile on your face” Front Row Center I'm Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire is playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 10 August 2024. Book Now: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/im-gonna-marry-you-tobey-maguire/

Dorian: The Musical | Rehearsal Trailer

When mysterious young musician Dorian Gray becomes an overnight sensation, he discovers that all his wishes have come true. A lonely boy, bereft of love, all he wanted was the world to notice him. So why does his life still seem so empty? Dorian is a modern, queer adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde’s classic fable of youth, power, and immortality. Thrust into the 21st century where in the looking glass of social media the young and beautiful hold all the cards, this bold, contemporary retelling features a glam-rock score by Joe Evans and Linnie Reedman, and a lead performance by Alfie Friedman. Playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough 4 July - 10 August 2024. Book Now: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/dorian-the-musical/

Behind-the-scenes with the real Frank and Jelicia | The Children's Inquiry

Social workers tell Jelicia that she is their success story. Frank is on his eighth foster home. 'The Children's Inquiry' is a revolutionary true story crafted from the voices of the children who came together to fearlessly share their stories and investigate the system they are a part of. Meet two of The Truth Stars here: Tom and Tamara, as they talk about their journey on the project and their ambitions. The Children's Inquiry comes to Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 8 July - 4 August 2024, tickets start at £10. Find out more and book now: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-childrens-inquiry/

Dorian: The Musical | 4 Jul - 10 Aug | Behind the Scenes - New Writing

Lights, Camera, Action! Step into the rehearsal room for Dorian: The Musical. After charismatic music producer Harry Wotton propels Dorian into superstardom, he finds himself trapped both in the viewfinder of celebrity photographer Baz Halward’s camera, and in the affections of winsome opera singer Sibyl Vane. Harry wants to make him immortal. Baz wants to capture his soul. Sibyl only wants to love him. A mesmerising gothic fable about mortality, the cult of celebrity and devastatingly unrequited love, starring Alfie Friedman (Undeclared War, Channel 4) as the lead.

Fun at the Beach Romp Bomp-A-Lomp!! is "exceptionally witty and funny!" | Must End 22 June

Mark Bell (The Play That Goes Wrong) directs a trip to the beach you’ll never forget in the world premiere of new musical Fun at the Beach Romp-Bomp-a-Lomp!! Described as "bonkers, ridiculous and bloody brilliant" it’s like "Operation Mincemeat mixed with Mischief" and the escape from reality we all need right now. Southwark Playhouse Borough until 22 June. Act fast for limited £20 on the day rush tickets. Find out more: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/fun-at-the-beach-romp-bomp-a-lomp/

The Bleeding Tree Official Trailer | Must End 22 June

Don't miss the "incredible affecting and powerful" (All That Dazzles ★★★★★) The Bleeding Tree, currently playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 22 June 2024. From multi-award winning Australian playwright Angus Cerini this UK premiere is the story of a mother and two daughters, a dead body and community who decide to take justice into their own hands. A lyrical, unique, revenge drama set in the vast Australian out-back. Perfect for any fans of new writing and female characters centre stage. All standard tickets only £22. £18 concessions also available. Book now: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-bleeding-tree/ Videography by Erica Belton.

'Song For A Dead Girl' from Dorian: The Musical | 4 Jul - 10 Aug

We're thrilled to share a glimpse of the development behind "Dorian", the new British musical making its world premiere at Southwark Playhouse Borough this Summer. Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray”, this new adaptation gives the Gothic tale a Glam, modern twist with a newly composed score that sears through the action, propelled by influences from Bowie to Brecht. A modern, queer fairy-tale, it challenges perceptions of gender and identity and the dangers of social media in a world where youth and immortality are thrust into the spotlight. Dorian: The Musical premieres at Southwark Playhouse Borough from 4 July 2024. Tickets from only £16. Book here: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/dorian-the-musical/