


See Sandra Oh as she makes her UK stage debut in The Misanthrope, Martin Crimp’s brilliant new version of Molière’s classic dark comedy about the cost of speaking your mind. Book The Misanthrope tickets on London Theatre.
The Misanthrope is a play centering on Alice, who is a brilliant novelist who seemingly has very little to no patience for the polished language of a modern, respectable society. She hates what she believes to be the hollow slogans of contemporary life, from false kindness to respect, and becomes increasingly empowered by telling everyone exactly what she thinks. But the more Alice speaks her mind, the more folks pull away from her, and her personal relationships begin to suffer.
The Misanthrope in London shows Alice as she continues to challenge social norms and speak out for causes others might avoid out of politeness, only to face scrutiny and professional backlash. In a world so focused on image and performing for others, Alice must contend with the fact that her honesty will come at the cost of her reputation.
Award-winner Sandra Oh, known for Killing Eve, plays Alice in this ravishing reimagining of Molière’s The Misanthrope. The cast also includes Paul Chahidi as John, Abigail Cruttenden as Claire, Imogen Elliott as Esmée, Rina Fatania as Indira, Freddie MacBruce as Allen, Tom Mison as Stefan, and Jemima Rooper as Elaine.
This production is adapted by Martin Crimp, whose previous work includes Cyrano de Bergerac, and is directed by National Theatre Director Indhu Rubasingham. The creative team also includes set and costume design by Robert Jones, lighting design by Tim Lutkin, composition by Anna Meredith, and sound design by Alexander Caplen.
With a modern, gender-bent Alice as the misanthrope, Molière’s satire of social pressure and integrity comes to life on stage with a brilliant, award-winning lead.
1hr 45min. No interval.
16th June, 2026
1st August, 2026
By: Martin Crimp
Music: Anna Meredith
Director: Indhu Rubasingham
Cast list: Paul Chahidi, Abigail Cruttenden, Sandra Oh
Design: Robert Jones
Lighting: Tim Lutkin
Sound: Alexander Caplan
Location: National Theatre
Railway station: Waterloo
Bus numbers: (Waterloo Road) 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, RV1, X68
Night bus numbers: (Waterloo Road) 139, 176, 188, 243, 341, N1, N68, N76, N171, N343
Car park: National Theatre, Upper Ground (1min)
Directions from tube: (10mins) Follow signs for exits to the South Bank. This should lead you to an underground pedestrian passage called ‘Sutton Walk’ that emerges at the South Bank. Turn right and walk along the river Thames until you see the National Theatre.
Book tickets to The Misanthrope, or sign up to receive the latest news and show alerts.
| Day of week | Matinee | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | - | 7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | - | 7:30 PM, 6:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 2:30 PM | - |
| Thursday | - | 7:30 PM |
| Friday | - | 7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 2:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Sunday | - | - |
See Sandra Oh make her UK stage debut in The Misanthrope, Martin Crimp’s sharp new rendition of Molière’s dark satirical play at the National Theatre, directed by Indhu Rubasingham.
The Misanthrope is playing at Lyttelton Theatre. The theatre is located at National Theatre, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX.
The running time of The Misanthrope is 1hr 45min. No interval.
Book tickets for The Misanthrope on London Theatre.
Tickets for The Misanthrope start at £116.
Martin Crimp reimagines Molière’s play, The Misanthrope, in this production.
Indhu Rubasingham is the director.
A specific age guideline is not available at this time; however, this production features strong language, references to sex, violence, and drug and alcohol abuse.
The Misanthrope is an incredible night at the theatre, as it adapts a classic play that touches on a timeless subject: whether to conform to our social structure or not. With Sandra Oh leading the cast in her UK stage debut, this production offers a formidable take on Molière’s play as it looks at the pressures of public life.
You can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy