Get ready for a theatrical reunion like no other! Two legendary actors are stepping back onto the London stage, and it’s for a celebration that’s as historic as it is emotional. Tilda Swinton and Gary Oldman are returning to the Royal Court Theatre to mark its 70th anniversary, a milestone that’s not just about the past but also about the enduring power of storytelling. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: Swinton is breaking her 35-year hiatus from the stage to reprise her critically acclaimed role in Manfred Karge’s Man to Man. This isn’t just a performance—it’s a reunion with the play’s original director, Stephen Unwin, and designer, Bunny Christie, making it a full-circle moment for everyone involved. The production will grace the Royal Court’s Jerwood Theatre Downstairs starting September 5 next year, before heading to the Berliner Ensemble and eventually an off-Broadway theater in Spring 2027. And this is the part most people miss: Swinton’s return isn’t just a nod to her past; it’s a testament to the timeless relevance of Man to Man in today’s world.
Gary Oldman’s connection to the Royal Court runs just as deep. Four decades after his early career-defining performances, including Caryl Churchill’s Serious Money 39 years ago, he’s back—not just as an actor, but as a director. Oldman will star in and direct Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape, a play he previously performed at the York Theatre Royal. This production, running for a limited four weeks from May 8, 2026, in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, is a homage to the Royal Court’s earliest days. After all, Krapp’s Last Tape was first performed here in 1958 with Patrick McGee. But here’s the controversial part: Can Oldman’s interpretation of Beckett’s existential masterpiece resonate with a modern audience? Or will it feel like a relic of a bygone era? Let’s discuss in the comments!
The Royal Court’s 70th anniversary season is a masterclass in blending the old with the new. Founded by George Devine and Tony Richardson in 1956, the theater gained iconic status with its third production, John Osborne’s Look Back in Anger. Located in London’s Sloane Square, it also hosted the 1956 UK premiere of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. Fast forward to today, and it’s only fitting that Kimberly Belflower’s Tony Award-winning play John Proctor is the Villain—a bold contemporary reassessment of Miller’s classic—will take the stage. Directed by Dana Taymor, it opens on March 20, 2026, in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs. But here’s a thought: Does reimagining a classic like The Crucible honor its legacy, or does it risk diluting its original impact? Share your thoughts below!
Kicking off the anniversary celebrations is Luke Norris’s Guess How Much I Love You?, starring Robert Aramayo and Rosie Sheehy, and directed by Jeremy Herrin. Opening on January 16, 2026, in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, this production sets the tone for a season that’s as much about looking back as it is about looking forward. Introduced by artistic director David Byrne, the lineup is a testament to the Royal Court’s enduring legacy as a hub for groundbreaking theater. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or a newcomer, this anniversary season promises something for everyone—and plenty to talk about long after the curtain falls.