Archduke Tickets
Opens 20th June
Pulitzer finalist Ravji Joseph's darkly comic play reimagines the events leading up to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Archduke in London
Innovative new play Archduke, from Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph, makes its London debut this summer at the Royal Court Theatre in the heart of Sloane Square. This explosive, darkly comic fictionalised imagining of the events leading up to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand is “an ambitious mix of history, comedy and tragedy” (LA Times). You won't want to miss it - secure your tickets today.
What is the play Archduke about?
1914: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand sparks a series of events that, within a month, trigger the beginning of World War I.
But who were the perpetrators of this shockingly pivotal event? While Franz Ferdinand’s name looms large in the history books, you’ve likely never heard the name of the man who pulled the trigger before - Gavrilo Princip.
When 19-year-old Gavrilo receives a terminal tuberculosis diagnosis, he fears he is running out of time - he wants to start a revolution, he wants to make a difference in this world, and he doesnt want to die a virgin. Starved for purpose, and food, Gavrilo and two of his fellow consumptives are desperate to be remembered. So when Serbian nationalist Captain Dragutin “Apis” Dimitrijevic offers them a chance to leave their mark on history, the dying young men are soon swept along in a plot that will change the world forever.
A “deft play of fact and fiction” (Philadelphia Inquirer), Archduke boldly retells the motivations of the group of young men who planned the assassination, framing them not as sinister masterminds, but as teenagers hungry, hapless, and susceptible to radicalisation.
The History of Archduke
Archduke first premiered in Los Angeles in 2017 and was also staged in Philadelphia, before making an Off-Broadway debut in November 2025. This production marks the show's European premiere.
Who are the cast of Archduke?
Casting for this production is to be announced
Who are the creative team of Archduke?
Archduke is written by Rajiv Joseph. Joseph is a two-time Obie Award winner and a Lucille Lortel Award winner. His notable works include Guards at the Taj, Shalimar the Clown, and Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo (which premiered on Broadway starring Robin Williams) for which he was a finalist for the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama.
Lyndsey Turner directs. Turner is an Olivier winner and an Associate Director at the Sheffield Crucible and The Gate Theatre. Her credits include Chimerica, Machinal, Fathers and Sons, and Posh.
Production design is by Tony and Olivier winner Es Devlin, whose credits include The Lehman Trilogy, Chimerica, The Motive and the Cue, and design for the London and Rio Olympic ceremonies.
Tickets for Archduke at the Royal Court
This “slyly relevant new period dramedy” (Variety) is a stark reminder that history is often shaped by those least qualified. Pulitzer finalist Ravji Joseph’s innovative, daring and alarmingly prescient play about radicalisation, morality and mortality is unmissable. Book tickets for Archduke at the Royal Court Theatre today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Archduke playing in London?
Archduke is playing at the Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London, SW1W 8AS.
What is the age recommendation for Archduke?
Archduke is best for age 14+.
Can I buy tickets for Archduke at the box office?
Yes you can buy from the Royal Court Theatre box office where you will pay the face value ticket price, sometimes with a small booking fee. Search on SeatPlan to get the best prices and deals in one search.
What is the refund / cancellation policy?
Tickets for Archduke are generally non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
SeatPlan works with multiple suppliers to find the best deal for you. Each supplier has their own refund and cancellation policy, which you can review on the payment page before you complete your purchase.
