The Doctor

Following collaborations on the “electrifying” (The Guardian) Mary Stuart and “achingly compassionate” (Time Out) Hamlet, actress Juliet Stevenson and playwright Robert Icke reunite for The Doctor in the West End. Having premiered at Islington’s Almeida Theatre, this political and provocative play will transfer to the Duke of York’s Theatre.

When decorated Jewish doctor Ruth Wolff refuses a Catholic priest admission to her dying patient’s bedside, she unwittingly ignites a fierce debate about science, religion and ethics. In a divided society that is easily guided into outrage or apathy by the media, which side should we take, and who has the moral high ground?

Based on Austrian playwright Arthur Schnitzler’s Professor Bernhardi, The Doctor is a thorny and intelligent dissection of identity.

Juliet Stevenson stars as Ruth Wolff, following stunning, award-nominated turns in Mary Stuart and Hamlet. An actress whose credits span film (Truly, Madly, Deeply), television and stage, she won an Olivier Award for Death and the Maiden in 1992.

Further casting for the West End transfer of The Doctor includes Jamie Parker (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), Chris Colquhoun, Shelley Conn, Anni Domingo, Liv Hill, Millicent Wong, Mariah Louca, Daniel Rabin, Joy Richardson and Naomi Wirthner. Hannah Ledwidge also appears, performing on the drums.

Playwright and director Robert Icke has worked as an associate of the Almeida Theatre, delivering critically-lauded adaptations of Hamlet and Uncle Vanya. His reworking of Greek classic Oresteia earned him an Olivier Award for Best Director, making him the youngest ever recipient of the accolade.

Other creatives include set designer Hildegard Bechtler, lighting designer Natasha Chivers and sound designer Tom Gibbons, with additional composition from Hannah Ledwidge.

After generating intense discussion during its initial run, The Doctor at the Duke of York’s Theatre is sure to continue the debate. Make up your own mind and catch Juliet Stevenson’s masterclass performance when the show opens on 20 April 2020.

Recommended for

Fans of Stevenson and Icke’s previous work should secure tickets to The Doctor, which delivers the pair’s now trademark entertaining but challenging material. The play is also perfect for anyone who wants to see modern debates wrestled with on the dramatic stage.

Please be aware that the production includes discussion and descriptions of suicide.

Age Recommendations: Recommended 14+