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    Political, engaged theatre of such scope is rare
    Whatsonstage.com
    ...stunningly political and superbly theatrical
    The Stage

A Very Expensive Poison Tickets

Old Vic Theatre

Award-winning playwright Lucy Prebble premieres her latest play at the Old Vic this summer; A Very Expensive Poison is a shadowy, shocking story of espionage and high-stakes politics based on Luke Harding’s book.

The world premiere of Lucy Prebble's A Very Expensive Poison comes to the Old Vic. Charting a shadowy course through a world on the cusp of a new Cold War, this intriguing new play runs from 19 August 2019.

The play is based on the 2016 book by Luke Harding, which examines the assassination of Russian former KGB whistle-blower Alexander Litvinenko. The Evening Standard called the book “one of the best political thrillers (...) in years”.

In the heart of London, an assassination rocks the world. At the centre of a conflict of global politics and international espionage, one man meets his end. This stranger-than-fiction exposé takes us from Moscow to Mayfair, delving into the scandalous true story of Litvinenko and those who sought his demise.

Tom Brooke is set to play Litvinenko, having recently starred in Berberian Sound Studio at the Donmar Warehouse. He will be joined by MyAnna Buring (Ripper Street, Twilight) as Litvinenko's wife Marina.

Lucy Prebble is the writer behind the acclaimed plays The Sugar Syndrome, ENRON and The Effect. The latter won her the 2012 Critics' Circle Award for Best Play. John Crowley (Brooklyn, The Goldfinch) directs.

This jaw-dropping and profound stage adaptation promises a deep new perspective on a landmark moment in history. Catch the latest piece from the talented playwright Lucy Prebble at the Old Vic from 19 August 2019. The official opening night falls on 5 September.

Sorry this show closed 05 October 2019, we recommend these similar productions.

Player Kings
The Mousetrap
Performance dates:
04 Oct 2019 - 05 Oct 2019
Running time:
2 hours and 50 minutes including an interval.
Age recommendation:
Recommended 12+
Audience Notes:
Anybody who is interested in world politics shouldn’t miss the chance to secure A Very Expensive Poison tickets. Similarly, those who enjoyed Prebble’s play ENRON at Chichester Festival Theatre, the Royal Court or the Noël Coward Theatre will want to find out what her latest play has to offer.
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Latest Audience Reviews

Phenomenal. A thoroughly engrossing play with a deserved standing ovation. A poignant story with... More

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