'Arcadia' to be revived at The Old Vic

Arcadia follows brilliant young student Thomasina Coverly and her tutor Septimus Hodge as they explore mathematics, science, and love, as well as the present-day academics researching those who once lived in the house.

Summary

• Arcadia will be performed for the first time at The Old Vic in London
• The play spans two time periods
• Arcadia is part of Matthew Warchus’s final season at the London venue

Director Carrie Cracknell will make her Old Vic debut with Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia. The production will appear as part of Artistic Director Matthew Warchus’s final season at the London venue. Performances run from 24 January to 21 March 2026.

The play premiered at the National Theatre in 1993, and spans two time periods: the early 19th century and the present day. It follows brilliant young student Thomasina Coverly and her tutor Septimus Hodge as they explore mathematics, science, and love, as well as the present-day academics researching those who once lived in the house. This will be the first time Arcadia has been performed at The Old Vic.

Cracknell said: ‘Tom Stoppard’s greatest play is a dazzling meditation on our endless search for understanding — of ourselves, of history and of the patterns that connect everything from mathematics to desire. In an age overflowing with cheap information but hungry for wisdom, Arcadia feels more prescient than ever. Its wit, beauty and curiosity remind us that the pursuit of knowledge is a deeply human joy.’

Warchus said, ‘On any list of the greatest plays ever written, Tom Stoppard’s dazzling Arcadia would surely feature prominently. What a pleasure to be welcoming the wonderful Carrie Cracknell to direct this ingenious and frisky masterpiece.’

The creative team also includes Set Design by Alex Eales, Costume Design by Suzanne Cave, Lighting by Guy Hoare, Sound by Donato Wharton, Movement by Ira Mandela Siobhan, and Composer Stuart Earl.

Casting is yet to be announced.

Book Arcadia tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Tom Stoppard. (Photo by Manuel Harlan)