Zachary Quinto to star in James Graham’s 'Best of Enemies'

The political play heads to the Noël Coward Theatre in autumn 2022.

The Emmy-nominated actor Zachary Quinto will make his West End debut in James Graham's play Best of Enemies this autumn. The two-time Olivier-nominated play transfers from the Young Vic to the Noël Coward Theatre for 14 weeks, with previews from 14 November and an opening night on 28 November.

Quinto will play Gore Vidal in Best of Enemies. His Broadway credits include Angels in America, The Boys in the Band and The Glass Menagerie. He's also starred in television shows such as Heroes and American Horror Story.

“Best of Enemies harkens back to a vital time - when genuine discourse was possible from even the most opposite ends of the ideological spectrum. My hope is that such discourse may be once again rekindled in response to the work itself” said Quinto.

David Harewood reprises the role of William F. Buckley Jr. from the Young Vic production. The company includes Deborah Alli, David Boyle, Lincoln Conway, Emilio Doorgasingh, Vivienne Ekwulugo, Clare Foster, Tom Godwin, John Hodgkinson, Jamie Hogarth, Syrus Lowe, Kevin McMonagle, Sam Otto, and Saaj Raja.

Based on Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon's 2015 documentary, Best of Enemies dramatises conversations between conservative intellectual William F Buckley Jr. and liberal writer Gore Vidal during the 1968 Presidential Election. As their beliefs are challenged, they open up a new path in American politics — television debates.

Best of Enemies premiered at the Young Vic in 2021. In a four-star review for Best of Enemies on London Theatre, our critic said: “this is really a duel, and a fascinatingly cast one. Even these two supposed outsiders are protected by their privilege. A thought-provoking and resonant drama.”

Jeremy Herrin directs James Graham’s Best of Enemies. The production features design by Bunyn Christie, lighting design by Jack Knowles, and sound design by Tom Gibbons.

Best of Enemies is at the Noel Coward Theatre.

Photo credit: Zachary Quinto and David Harewood (Photo courtesy of production)