The Duchess of Malfi

Ten years after opening the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in 2014, John Webster’s seminal revenge tragedy, The Duchess of Malfi, returns to London’s only indoor candlelit theatre from February 2024. A forbidden marriage. A hidden family. A dangerous web of secrets and lies. The recently widowed Duchess falls in love with her steward, Antonio. Her brothers, eager to keep her under their control, warn her not to remarry. But some things are worth fighting – and lying – for… In a rigid, male-dominated world, how far does a woman have to go to protect those she loves the most? And what desperate measures will the men in her life take to control her story? Award-winning Director Rachel Bagshaw (Midnight Movie, Royal Court) makes her Globe directorial debut with this ground-breaking anniversary production of Webster’s violent tale of misogyny and deceit. The Duchess of Malfi is part of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse 10th anniversary season. ‘I account this world a tedious theatre, For I do play a part in’t ‘gainst my will.’ Act IV, scene 1 __Assisted Performances:__ Audio-Described - Saturday 23 March matinee and Saturday 6 April matinee Captioned - Saturday 9 March matinee and Friday 5 April evening British Sign Language - Thursday 14 March evening and Sunday 24 March matinee Relaxed - Wednesday 3 April evening and Sunday 7 April matinee

Important Information

Content warnings: The play contains violence including murder, as well as themes of incest and misogyny.

Age Restrictions

Anyone under the age of 3 can attend any production for free and they do not require a ticket. Those over 3 years old will require a paid ticket. Some plays, however, do contain adult themes and might not be suitable for younger children.

Performance Times

Now taking bookings for performances up until Sun 14th April 2024.

Show times for each day are below.

Sam Wanamaker Playhouse Details

Facilities at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

Sam Wanamaker Playhouse Location

Please note: The location shown on the map is an approximate location of the theatre. In the majority of cases the theatre will be marked on the map so please make sure you locate the exact location yourself. If the theatre is not shown on the map please make sure you locate the correct road name and take account of the directions.