by TANIKA GUPTA directed by HETTIE MACDONALD
inspired by Henrik Ibsen’s HEDDA GABLER
Finally, I’m being brave.
London, 1948. The war is over, India is newly independent, and Hedda Gabler has retired: early, elegantly, and with secrets. Once a Hollywood star, now the wife of rising British film director George Tesman, Hedda lives in Chelsea, hiding behind drawn curtains. But the past is beginning to stir.
Her husband is asking questions. An old colleague has written a screenplay that cuts too close to the truth. And there’s a powerful producer in town: and he never takes no for an answer.
Inspired by the story of Anglo-Indian screen legend Merle Oberon, Hedda is a bold new version of Henrik Ibsen’s classic drama about blackmail, secrecy and power.
Tanika Gupta’s recent plays include Tupperware of Ashes (National Theatre), The Empress (RSC) and Lions and Tigers (Shakespeare’s Globe). BAFTA-winning director Hettie Macdonald (Normal People, Howards End) returns to theatre to direct Pearl Chanda (I May Destroy You, War of the Worlds, See How They Run) in the title role.
How to get tickets for sold out performances
Many performances of Hedda are now sold out.
As part of the OT’s Friday Rush scheme, a number of £15 standing tickets will be released at midday on the Friday before the following week’s performances. These will only be available to book online.
Members and Patrons enjoy exclusive access to the waiting list for any returns / additional releases. Discover membership and join the waiting list today >
If there are any remaining seats available ahead of a performance, these will be released online.
★★★★★
"A must-see revival of a classic."
What's On Stage
★★★★★
"A dazzlingly conceived and executed production.”
The Arts Desk
★★★★★
“Outstanding. Consummately acted and savagely insightful.”
View From The Gods
★★★★★
"A compelling exploration of identity, secrecy, and power that lingers long after the lights fade."
The Recs
★★★★
"Astute, illuminating and timely.”
Financial Times
★★★★
“Fast-paced and gripping.”
The Reviews Hub
★★★★
"A Hedda Gabler for the ages.”
All That Dazzles
★★★★
"Eloquent, clever and deeply meaningful.”
Broadway World
★★★★
"Memorable and timely."
Time Out
On Stage
Rehearsal Photos © Helen Murray
Show Info
PERFORMANCE TIMES
Mon – Sat 7.30pm
Thu & Sat 2.30pm
CONTENT ADVICE
This production contains material and themes that some audience members may find distressing or triggering. We encourage you to review this Content Warning Notice before attending and to reach out to our Box Office team if you have any questions about the content or wish to discuss your needs in advance.
SATURDAY SEMINAR
Sat 8 Nov, 11am – find out more and book here
MEMBERS’ & PATRONS’ EVENING WITH POST-SHOW TALK
Mon 3 Nov
Booking is open exclusively to all our Members and Patrons.
Membership starts at £60 and supports the OT to create our ambitious programme of artistic and community work. These evenings are a chance to mingle with fellow Members and Patrons, meet the OT staff, and hear from the cast and creative team of the production.
OT UNDER 30 NIGHT
Fri 7 Nov, 7.30pm
On OT Under 30 Nights, enjoy a free drink and post-show talk all included with your £15 ticket.
POST-SHOW DISCUSSION LED BY THE OT
Thursday matinees
Admission is free with your ticket to the performance.
RELAXED & DISTANCED PERFORMANCE
Tue 11 Nov, 7.30pm
CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE
Tue 18 Nov, 7.30pm
AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE
Wed 19 Nov, 7.30pm
To book accessible seats, and for audio described and captioned, please call the box office on 020 8940 3633 (Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm) or email
box.office@orangetreetheatre.co.uk. If you’re on our Access List, you can log in and book online.
TICKET PRICES
No booking fees. Prices increase based on demand. Book early to secure your seats at the best prices.
£15 tickets for Under 30s on all seats for all performances – subject to availability
£15 access tickets – find out more
£15 tickets available for members of theatre unions and guilds
£1 tickets available through our subsidised ticket scheme – find out more
Cast
Joe Bannister
George Tesman
Bebe Cave
Alice Smith
Pearl Chanda
Hedda Gabler
Rina Fatania
Shona
Caroline Harker
Aunt Julia
Jake Mann
Leonard
Milo Twomey
John Brack
Creative Team
Tanika Gupta
Writer
Hettie Macdonald
Director
Simon Kenny
Set Designer
Sheena Napier
Costume Designer
Ben Ormerod
Lighting Designer
Pouya Ehsaei
Sound Designer and Composer
Helena Palmer CDG
Casting Director
RC Annie
Fight Director
Tara Jamora Oppen
Assistant Director
Cieranne Kennedy-Bell
Costume Supervisor
Sean Laing
Production Manager
Thomas Manly
Deputy Stage Manager
Irene Saviozzi
Assistant Stage Manager
Tamar Osborn
Clarinet & Baritone Saxophone
Mona M Riahi
Clarinet