Arcola Theatre in association with Nick of Time Productions and Jemima Khan

Drones, Baby, Drones

David Greig, Ron Hutchinson and Christina Lamb

Directed by: Nicolas Kent and Mehmet Ergen

War isn’t what it used to be.

“From now on, it’s drones, baby, drones” – Robert Gates, former U.S. Defense Secretary

Three outstanding writers. Two interlinking plays. One vital tale of power, sex and infighting at the top of the Washington establishment, and its far-reaching repercussions. As Barack Obama prepares to leave office, this world premiere double bill probes behind the scenes of America’s controversial drone wars, and asks what they will mean for our future.

This Tuesday
5a.m. A CIA director learns shocking news about her daughter. A White House security adviser sleeps with an intern. A Pentagon General works out in the gym. This Tuesday, in an hour, they have a vital decision to make.

The Kid
Wednesday. A missile hits a wedding in Pakistan. 7000 miles away, two drone operators begin their celebration. Pushing the button was the start. If only it were the end…

Nicolas Kent, former Artistic Director of the Tricycle Theatre, directs This Tuesday by Emmy winner and Olivier nominee Ron Hutchinson (Moonlight and Magnolias, Rat in the Skull) and Sunday Times Chief Foreign Correspondent Christina Lamb (Nujeen, I Am Malala, Farewell Kabul). Then Arcola Artistic Director Mehmet Ergen directs The Kid by multi award-winning playwright David Greig (The Events, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).


Post-show discussions

  • Saturday 5 November – the second of Jeannie’s Theatre Conversations, after the matinee performance
  • Thursday 10 November – Christina Lamb (Chief Foreign Correspondent of the Sunday Times) and Omran Belhadi (Reprieve). Chaired by director Nicolas Kent
  • Thursday 17 November – Richard Norton-Taylor (The Guardian) and Nicolas Kent
  • Tuesday 22 November –  Clive Stafford Smith (Reprieve) and Nicolas Kent. Chaired by Jack Gamble