27 November 2025
Newsdesk
The critically acclaimed, award-winning one-man show, MONSTERING THE ROCKETMAN, written by and starring Henry Naylor, is set for its highly anticipated London premiere at the Arcola Theatre. Inspired by a sensational true story, the play tackles the infamous 1980s libel case: Elton John vs. The Sun newspaper.
Following a sold-out run at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it garnered 16 five- and four-star reviews and won the prestigious Scotsman Fringe First Award, this "riveting" and "brilliantly entertaining" production promises to be one of the theatrical highlights of 2026.
The story centres on the then 39-year-old Elton John, who launched a multi-million-pound lawsuit after The Sun falsely accused him of being involved with rent boys. Unrepentant editor Kelvin Mackenzie, 40, retaliated, unleashing a "23-month campaign of media harassment" that threatened to destroy the global rock star. Directed by Darren Lee Cole, the solo tour de force details a high-stakes battle involving Ferraris, punch-ups, gangsters, bugged phone calls, and an infamous pair of Devil Dogs.
Naylor’s work uses this extraordinary celebrity saga to shine a light on crucial contemporary issues regarding the Western Press. Today’s audiences will immediately recognise themes of celebrity obsession, media intrusion, and the spread of ‘Fake News,’ along with the power of magnates who court governments for financial gain. The production forces audiences to confront fundamental, still-unanswered questions: Is the press’s role to entertain or inform? To seek profit, or to hold power accountable?
Monstering the Rocketman heralds a thematic shift for Henry Naylor, who over the past decade has specialised in plays focusing on the West’s complicated interactions with the Middle East. With this show, Naylor adds a sixth Fringe First to his collection of 56 international theatre prizes.
The show runs at the Arcola Theatre from 3rd to 21st February 2026.
Bookings can be made via 020 7503 1646 or www.arcolatheatre.com.
