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Rutherford and Son Tickets

National Theatre - Lyttelton

Githa’s Sowerby’s Rutherford and Son returns to London, a powerful exploration of domestic life, led by Les Misérables star Roger Allam.

Githa’s Sowerby’s quiet classic Rutherford and Son returns to London in a new National Theatre production, playing at the Lyttelton Theatre until early August.

In a Northern industrial town, John Rutherford rules his factory and his family with a patriarchal command. As his business ticks on, however, he begins to alienate his children, banishing his daughter and turning his back on his sons, despite one having made a discovery that could save his business. Left only with his daughter-in-law, he is faced with a bargain that could shift the balance of power in his life forever.

Githa Sowerby’s play is astonishing for more than just its accomplished writing, but because it lay unperformed for so many years – between its premiere in 1912 (when female voices were rarely heard on British stages) and its revival by feminist groups in the 1980s, it remained virtually untouched. The work is now, however, back in full force, with a production having also played at the Sheffield Crucible earlier this year.

Roger Allam (Les Misérables, The Thick of It) returns to the National for the first time in ten years to play the title role in this new production, which is directed by Polly Findlay (Beginning).

A piercing look at power, family and capitalism, Rutherford and Son is currently playing at the Lyttelton Theatre.

Sorry this show closed 31 July 2019, we recommend these similar productions.

A View From the Bridge
Slave Play
Performance dates:
30 Jul 2019 - 31 Jul 2019
Running time:
2 hours and 35 minutes including an interval.
Age recommendation:
Recommended 3+
Audience Notes:
Anyone interested in discovering a feminist theatrical gem or a searing depiction of family should be sure to grab tickets for Rutherford and Son.
Categories:

Rutherford and Son Reviews

3.9
16 Reviews
  • 5 Stars38%
  • 4 Stars38%
  • 3 Stars6%
  • 2 Stars19%
  • 1 Stars0%

User Reviews

Verified

Very much a slow burner of a play that is expertly directed and acted and has some really powerful scenes. It's beautifully staged and this definitely peaks in the last 5 minutes of the play when one of the most visually stunning moments of set chang Read more

Performance date: 26 July 2019
Verified

Generally good acting from all the cast; clever set design allowing 'rain' to fall 'outside' the house, evoking a real sense of a dank, dark home in wintry Yorkshire moors; lovely music. Play just a bit gloomy in subject, though very much of its time Read more

Performance date: 13 June 2019
Verified

This wasn't a good production in my opinion. It dragged on and on and I was wiling it to end! The acting was good particularly from Roger Allam but I found the subject matter to be quite boring! Such a shame as the talent on stage was great!

Performance date: 01 August 2019
1/6
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