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about The Misanthrope
Don’t miss Sandra Oh in The Misanthrope, Martin Crimp’s incredible new imagining of Molière’s classic dark satirical play at the National Theatre. Book The Misanthrope tickets on TodayTix.
The Misanthrope is a play that features Alice, who is a disgruntled novelist with absolutely no patience for the niceties of modern society. She hates the dishonest nature of kindness and the idea of deserved respect. However, the more sharply and honestly she speaks, the more people around her begin to pull away. Soon, Alice finds her professional world and personal life shrinking.
As Alice continues to challenge the social norms around her, she speaks out for causes that others fear being seen too close to. For this, she faces a lot of criticism and harsh isolation.
Award-winner Sandra Oh, widely known for her role on Killing Eve, plays Alice in this contemporary production of Molière’s play, directed by National Theatre Director Indhu Rubasingham. The cast also includes Paul Chahidi, Abigail Cruttenden, Imogen Elliott, Rina Fatania, Freddie MacBruce, Tom Mison, and Jemima Rooper.
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1hr 45min. No interval.
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16th June, 2026
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1st August, 2026
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By: Martin Crimp
Music: Anna Meredith
Director: Indhu Rubasingham
Cast list: Paul Chahidi, Abigail Cruttenden, Sandra Oh
Design: Robert Jones
Lighting: Tim Lutkin
Sound: Alexander Caplan
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Lyttelton Theatre
directions
Location: National Theatre
Railway station: Waterloo
Bus numbers: (Waterloo Road) 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, RV1, X68
Night bus numbers: (Waterloo Road) 139, 176, 188, 243, 341, N1, N68, N76, N171, N343
Car park: National Theatre, Upper Ground (1min)
Directions from tube: (10mins) Follow signs for exits to the South Bank. This should lead you to an underground pedestrian passage called ‘Sutton Walk’ that emerges at the South Bank. Turn right and walk along the river Thames until you see the National Theatre.
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The Misanthrope is a 17th-century comedy about a person who rejects the hypocrisy and falsehood of the social standard, even when the honesty of it comes at a great cost. In Martin Crimp’s new telling, the traditionally male central figure becomes Alice, a woman and celebrated novelist who is having great trouble accepting the niceties of the world around her.
Crimp has returned to Molière’s play more than once, but this version comes to the play with modern difficulties in navigating social media and contemporary social politics. It so brilliantly points to the very human experience of not always fitting into everyone else’s standards.
The Misanthrope in London boasts a masterful creative team, including set and costume designer Robert Jones, lighting designer Tim Lutkin, composer Anna Meredith, and sound designer Alexandra Caplen. With a strong ensemble and contemporary setting, this production brings The Misanthrope to life under uncomfortable questions regarding our modern society.
What to watch for
- A musical setting for The Misanthrope was composed in 1934 by Zinaida Petrovna Ziberova, a German-Russian composer.
- The Grouch, which is a more modern version of The Misanthrope, was first performed in February 2008 by Ranjit Bolt.
- The Misanthrope was first performed in 1666 at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal, Paris, by the King’s Players.
- Two of Molière’s previous plays, Tartuffe and Don Juan, had previously been banned by the French government.
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What is The Misanthrope about?
Don’t miss Sandra Oh in The Misanthrope, a brilliant revival of Molière’s dark satirical play touching on the difficulties of public image and the cost of honesty.
How do you get tickets for The Misanthrope?
Check the top of this page for current availability on The Misanthrope tickets on TodayTix.
Which theatre is The Misanthrope at?
The Misanthrope is at London's Lyttelton Theatre, which is located at National Theatre, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX.
What is the running time of The Misanthrope?
The Misanthrope runs for 1hr 45min. No interval.
How much are tickets for The Misanthrope?
The Misanthrope tickets start at £83.
Who wrote The Misanthrope?
Martin Crimp revives The Misanthrope, a classic comedy by Molière.
Who directed The Misanthrope?
Indhu Rubasingham stages the show.
Is The Misanthrope appropriate for kids?
There is no specific age guideline at this time. However, the production does feature strong language and references to sex, violence, and drug and alcohol abuse.
Is The Misanthrope good?
The Misanthrope is a most compelling production for audiences. Sandra Oh’s UK stage debut is its central draw, while Martin Crimp’s new telling of this classic tale brings this dark comedy into a modern world of social performance and conformity.
