Mr Loverman Tickets
Opens 25th February
Danny Sapani (Black Panther) leads this new adaptation of Bernadine Evaristo’s decade-spanning novel by Natasha Gordon (Nine Night).
Mr Loverman in London
Bernardine Evaristo’s “rirproaring, full-bodied riff on sex, secrecy and family” (The Guardian) novel, Mr Loverman, debuts at the National Theatre on Bankside for a limited run in 2027. Adapted by award-winning playwright Natasha Gordon, the story spans six decades, following Barrington Walker’s life from Antigua to modern-day London. Secure your tickets for this new play today!
What is the play Mr Loverman about?
Barrington Jedidiah Walker is a flamboyant, 74-year-old Antiguan-born man who has lived in Hackney, London since the 1960s. On the surface, Barrington is a traditional man who has been committed to his deeply religious wife, Carmel, for 50 years. However, beneath that, Barrington is leading a double life. He is a closet homosexual who has been having an affair with his lover, Morris, a beloved friend of the married couple. Will he decide to be brave enough to leave his marriage and live freely as a gay man?
The play is adapted from Bernardine Evaristo’s 2013 novel. Positively reviewed, the novel won the Jerwood Uncovered Prize in 2014. An eight-part television series adaptation of Mr Loverman was produced by the BBC and Fable Pictures in 2023. It starred Aryion Bakare, Sharon D. Clarke and Lennie James, who won a BAFTA for his leading role in the series. Mr Loverman is now being adapted into a new play at the Lyttelton at the National Theatre in 2027.
The Cast of Mr Loverman
Danny Sapani leads the cast as Barry. Sapani is best known for his roles in films such as Black Panther, The Amateur and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. His preview theatre credits include Between Riverside and Crazy at Hampstead Theatre and Hymn at the Almeida.
- Morris - Gary Beadle
- Maxine / Young Merty – Gabrielle Brooks
- Merty / Augustina – Llewella Gideon
- Daniel / Young Barry – Terique Jarrett
- Candaisy / Odette – Jenny Jules
- Asseleitha / Cynthia – Suzette Llewellyn
- Carmel – Jo Martin
- Barry – Danny Sapani
Mr Loverman National Theatre Creative Team
Playwright Natasha Gordon has adapted the novel for the stage. Gordon is an award-winning writer and actor of Jamaican descent. Her debut play Nine Night, hailed as having “knife-edge power” (Time Out), sold out its debut at the National in 2018 before transferring to the Trafalgar Studios. This made her the first black British female playwright to be produced in the West End.
Paulette Randall directs. She holds an MBE for her services to Drama and was the Associate Director of the 2012 London Olympic Games. Her directorial credits include The Fellowship, Doctor Faustus and Love Letters To The NHS.
Tickets for Mr Loverman at the National Theatre
Bernardine Evaristo’s groundbreaking exploration of Britain’s older Caribbean community comes to the National Theatre in a new play adaptation at the start of 2027. Mr Loverman will take audiences on a moving journey about love, family, and what it means to finally choose yourself. Starring Danny Sapani and directed by Paulette Randall, this is a must-see new play heading to London. Secure your tickets for Mr Loverman at the National Theatre’s Lyttelton stage today!
The running time for this production is to be announced.
Mr Loverman contains flashing lights and loud music, depictions of violence, scenes of a sexual nature, homophobia, strong language, depictions and references to alcohol and domestic abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mr Loverman playing in London?
Mr Loverman is playing at the National Theatre - Lyttelton, National Theatre, Southbank, London, SE1 9PX.
What is the age recommendation for Mr Loverman?
Mr Loverman is ages 14+.
How long is Mr Loverman?
The running time for Mr Loverman at National Theatre - Lyttelton is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Is there an interval during Mr Loverman?
Yes, there is a 15 minute interval about halfway through Mr Loverman.
Can I buy tickets for Mr Loverman at the box office?
Yes you can buy from the National Theatre - Lyttelton 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 including discounts not available at the box office.
What is the refund / cancellation policy?
Tickets for Mr Loverman 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.
