First-look rehearsal photos have been released for the highly anticipated West End transfer of Tom Stoppard’s acclaimed masterpiece, Arcadia. Directed by Carrie Cracknell, the Olivier Award-nominated production is moving from its celebrated run at The Old Vic to the Duke of York’s Theatre. To accommodate the production's unique, immersive staging, the historic venue is being completely renovated to play in the round, featuring limited on-stage seating. The strictly limited season will run from June 20 through September 12, 2026, with an official press night scheduled for July 1.
Sonia Friedman Productions has assembled a formidable ensemble cast to bring Stoppard’s dazzling collision of science, romance, and philosophy to life. Nikki Amuka-Bird stars as modern-day author Hannah Jarvis, alongside Oliver Chris as her sparring academic partner, Bernard Nightingale. Returning to the production to reprise her Olivier Award-nominated performance is Isis Hainsworth, who plays the brilliant nineteenth-century teenage prodigy Thomasina Coverly.
The play balances brilliant minds and burning hearts, exploring the irresistible pull between chaos and order. Set in an English country house across two centuries apart, Arcadia examines the beauty of curiosity and the timeless thrill of human discovery. In 1809, young Thomasina races ahead of her time to explore mathematics, nature, and the unpredictable forces governing the universe. In the present day, Hannah investigates a mysterious chapter in the life of Lord Byron, determined to resist romanticized myths. As past and present seamlessly intertwine, the characters' questions echo across time, asking whether humanity can ever truly comprehend the underlying patterns of life.
The cast is completed by an exceptional lineup including Aaron Anthony as Richard Noakes, David Buttle as Captain Brice, Matthew Doswell as Gus and Augustus Coverly, Yolanda Kettle as Lady Croom, and Seamus Dillane as Septimus Hodge. The creative team features set design by Alex Eales, costumes by Suzanne Cave, lighting by Guy Hoare, and an original score by composer Stuart Earl. Tickets for the strictly limited West End engagement are currently on sale.
Reserve, book and buy tickets securely through the official site below.
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
