It started with a decision. A scientific breakthrough. A war. A mistake.

When the atomic bomb is dropped on Japan, Hungarian-American physicist Leo Szilard – haunted by the role he played in its creation – fights to stop the unimaginable. In Hiroshima, a young woman named Shigeko Nomura, buried beneath rubble, must summon every ounce of strength to survive – and to find her family.

Two actors – one British, one Japanese – bring to life the interwoven stories of a brilliant scientist, a brave American pilot, and a devoted daughter in this searing and human drama.

THE MISTAKE, a sell-out hit at Arcola Theatre in 2023, returns after critically acclaimed tours in the United States (including a three-week off-Broadway run) and Japan – now featuring new cast member Riko Nakazono.

A powerful reflection on the decisions that changed the course of history and the human cost that followed.

In the 80th anniversary year of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, this is urgent, unforgettable theatre.

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Previous Reviews:

★★★★ “The past comes alive – a gripping piece of storytelling” – The Times

★★★★★ “A dramatic treat” – UK Theatre Web

★★★★ “A powerful examination of humanity in the wake of Hiroshima” – The List