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    Rutherford and Son Tickets

    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.

    Performance dates:
    30 Jul 2019 - 31 Jul 2019
    Running time:
    2 hours and 35 minutes including an interval.
    Venue:
    National Theatre - Lyttelton (See map)
    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.
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    Latest Audience Reviews

    Very much a slow burner of a play that is expertly directed and acted and has some really powerfu... More

    rikkiONshow's avatar
    rikkiONshow Top 10 reviewer 28 Jul 2019

    Generally good acting from all the cast; clever set design allowing 'rain' to fall 'outside' the... More

    alisonb's avatar
    alisonb 17 Jun 2019

    This wasn't a good production in my opinion. It dragged on and on and I was wiling it to end! T... More

    joc78's avatar
    joc78 Top 10 reviewer 07 Aug 2019

    This wasn't a good production in my opinion. It dragged on and on and I was wiling it to end! The... More

    joc78's avatar
    joc78 Top 10 reviewer 07 Aug 2019
    zoem3's avatar
    zoem3 28 Jul 2019
    samshonk's avatar
    samshonk Top 50 reviewer 22 Sep 2019
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