This is England meets Shakespeare in this gritty and aggressive take on one of his bloodiest plays; Titus Andronicus.
Shakespeare’s terrifying tale of war, revenge, honour and rivalry is transported into the underbelly of 1980s London. Set deep inside English extremist skinhead culture, Roman Warriors are replaced with National Front Political Soldiers, their armour exchanged for military style shaved heads, combat boots, drugs and knives.
In the midst of a vicious turf war on the streets of North London, Titus’ son is murdered by Alarbus, the son of a powerful irish immigrant matriarch; the murder sparks into action an uncontrollable and catastrophic cycle of violent and bloody revenge. As the aggression rapidly escalates, Titus is pushed to the brink of insanity, culminating in a ferocious and unforgiving climax.
In a society where survival balances on a knife edge, just how strong are the restraints holding us back from committing the most heinous of monstrosities in the name of self preservation?
Coming to the Arcola Theatre after a critically acclaimed, sell out run at this years Edinburgh Fringe, Titus Andronicus is an exciting and engaging explosion of corrupt humanity at its most extreme – not for the faint of heart!
Recommended for ages 16+
“The most exciting fringe production I’ve seen this year”
” ★★★★” The London Evening Standard
“a hard hitting “This is England” meets Elizabethan revenge tragedy.”
“★★★★” The Public Reviews
“Skinheads and Shakespeare. These are not words that you would expect to hear in the same sentence, but Hiraeth Productions hurl the two together in their striking version of Titus Andronicus. ” The British Theatre Guide
“…a production which should go direct to London’s West End after its Fringe run, while the blood is still hot…” ★★★★★★ Edinburgh Evening News
“Leaving the theatre you are relieved that the play is finally over, exhausted and exhilarated. A brilliant production. Go see it.” ★★★★★ Edinburgh Reporter
“…faultless and horrifying…” ★★★★★ Broadway Baby
“…without a shadow of a doubt the most brutal, bloody, and brilliant play which I have had the fortune to see this entire Fringe Festival.”
“…an astonishing production, flawless in both concept and execution.” ★★★★★ EdFringe Review
Opening Performances (9 – 12 October) all tickets £14
Opening Performance matinee 12th October tickets £14 (£12 concessions)
Saturday matinees at 2:30 pm (19, 26 October) £16 (£12 concessions)
Pay What You Can Tuesdays
Running Time: 125 minutes including a 15 minute interval