Word-Play Tickets

Word-Play Tickets On Sale Now

What happens when words leak into the public consciousness? Rabiah Hussain’s Word-Play at the Royal Court Theatre explores the long-lasting and troubling consequences of words said flippantly and arrogantly by those with influence. This sharp new play turns its eye on political responsibility, the machinations of power, and the everyday people who react - and act - when given permission to by those in office.

About Word-Play

An emergency meeting has been called in the Downing Street Press Office. The Prime Minister has gone viral… again. That’s what happens when you have a tendency to ad-lib on live TV whenever the fancy takes you. Social media is alight, accusations are flying, and an apology is being demanded as soon as possible.

The team are debating what to do next and hoping to avoid a PR disaster, but it’s already too late. The PM’s words aren’t just being discussed online. They have travelled from plate to plate at dinner parties, across the aisles of buses, and into newspaper columns at the supermarket… and not everyone is angry at what he has to say.

Word-Play looks at how words, attitudes and ideas seep into the public consciousness, and what happens when they stick.

Word-Play at Royal Court Cast and Creatives

Word-Play is Rabiah Hussain’s latest work, developed in 2019 when she was on attachment as part of the Royal Court Theatre and Kudos Writing Fellowship. Her other plays include We Are Shadows at Tamasha Theatre and Spun at Arcola Theatre.

At the Royal Court Theatre, the show is directed by Nimmo Ismail (Two Billion Beats at Orange Tree Theatre; two Palestinians go dogging at Sparkhaus), with design by Rosanna Vize and lighting by Jamie Platt.

The cast of Word-Play is a great mix of new and established talent in UK theatre, including Issam Al Ghussain, BIFA Award-winner Kosar Ali (Rocks), Simon Manyonda, Sirine Saba and Yusra Warsama.

Dont Miss Tickets For Word-Play at Royal Court Theatre

“History always ripples on. Even if we don’t realise it.” Rabiah Hussain’s powerful play is a must-see for anyone who wants to engage with urgent questions about modern-day politics and politicians, both in parliament and on the streets. It premieres in London for a limited season this summer.