Back to Plays

A Little Life (Harold Pinter Theatre) Tickets

Witness this brilliant story of navigating trauma based on Hanya Yanagihara's novel!

This production is recommended for ages 16+. It is intended for mature audiences and viewer discretion is advised.

Performance dates

25 March - 18 June 2023

Run time: 3 hours 40 minutes (including interval)

Includes interval

4.7

156 reviews

  • Show info
  • Accessibility
  • Reviews

James Norton (Happy Valley, Grantchester) stars in the theatrical event of 2023 as visionary director Ivo van Hove (Network, A View from the Bridge) stages the English language premiere of A LITTLE LIFE, his acclaimed production of the million-copy bestseller by Hanya Yanagihara (To Paradise, Booker Prize Shortlist for A Little Life).

The much-anticipated play also stars Luke Thompson (Bridgerton, Hamlet), Omari Douglas (It’s A Sin, Constellations), Zach Wyatt (The Witcher, I and You), Elliot Cowan (The Crown, 2:22 A Ghost Story), Zubin Varla (Tammy Faye, Equus), Nathalie Armin (Force Majeure, The Doctor), and Emilio Doorgasingh (Best of Enemies, The Kite Runner).

A Little Life follows four college friends in New York City: aspiring actor Willem, successful architect Malcolm, struggling artist JB, and prodigious lawyer Jude.

As ambition, addiction, and pride threaten to pull the group apart, they always find themselves bound by their love for Jude and the mysteries of his past.

But when those secrets come to light, they finally learn that to know Jude St Francis is to understand the limitless potential of love in the face of life.

Content

This production includes strong language, nudity, sexual violence, physical and emotional abuse, self-harm, and suicide. There are also moments of flashing and strobe lighting, blood, smoking, periods of loud music, and the use of strong scents (antiseptic liquid).

Access

Audio Described performance - 31 May 2023 , Captioned performance - 7 June 2023

Recent Reviews

4.7
156 reviews
Robert Cox

Thoroughly bleak, consistently removing any possibility of hope. But James Norton delivers a performance that one may be privileged to see rarely. Well deserved standing ovation

A Giles

This was a truly outstanding production. The topic is harrowing. From James Norton’s incredible acting between bewildered child and broken, adult man along with an incredible cast and direction, this has to be the best theatre I’ve seen in a long time. Well done to all of you. Amazing. Simply amazing. Additionally, lovely and helpful theatre staff!

Bethany Hext

This play is definitely not for the faint hearted, and was very heavy in terms of themes covered. However, the acting was incredible.

Nathalie

That was truly incredible, breath-taking and wow, the actors! Definitly a wonderful and heartbreaking experience.

ANDY W

Incredible performance

Roisin Williams

Heartbreaking yet wonderful, the actors are absolutely incredible and the play stays close to the original book material. Not a dry eye in the house! While certainly not an easy play to watch and not necessarily an experience I would wish to repeat, it’s also a masterpiece that includes heartwarming moments about friendship and love.

Jon Andrews

Amazing performances, brilliant cast in fab theatre!

Annika Gralke

I had to leave half-way through the show because I found the play too horrible to watch. Where the book balances the descriptions of dread and violence with beautiful, extensive and relatable expressions of love and friendship between each character, the show set an unnecessary focus on exhibiting pain, without any hope of healing. The "trauma porn" accusations that Yanagihara was faced with came absolutely true in this adaption. But I don't think any of this were necessary - I think you can trust that viewers understand the implications of trauma on a more subtle level. The actors were great, yes, but I felt like I was meant to believe their deep connections to each other rather than actually witnessing them. That was different in the book. It's sad, but I had a feeling it would be this way. Maybe the story didn't have to be put on stage altogether - I think it's healthier to experience the story on your own by reading, and being able to draw boundaries by putting the book aside when you feel like it. I went to the Japanese supermarket in the break and soothed myself with some love and healing in the form of yuzu mochi ice cream - would recommend to anyone feeling affected from the show!

Janine Icawalo

Loved the show

Ellen Taylor

I'm baffled by the single toilet up in balcony seating, I know it's an old building but add a couple more? Especially with the sloooow cistern refill.

Hazel Baughan

Intense and powerful performance. Incredible acting and portrayal of such a heart-breaking story.

C Taylor

A harrowing story, beautifully portrayed. Outstanding performances from all. If I could get tickets I would go again!!!

Keep me updated

We'll tell you as soon as tickets go on sale: