David Ives’ critically acclaimed Broadway smash hit Venus In Fur premieres on the West End starring Natalie Dormer and David Oakes. The play’s limited nine-week run starts 6 October at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
When Vanda Jordan shows up unannounced for an audition with director Thomas Novachek, things quickly spiral out of control. Vanda is an enigmatic actress who’s determined to score the leading role in Thomas’ new production, but she’s entirely wrong for the part – or so it seems. As the evening progresses, Vanda and Thomas find themselves facing off in a seductive dance to the end.
Directed by Patrick Marber, Venus in Fur features a design by Rob Howell and lighting by Hugh Vanstone. Intoxicating and highly charged, Venus in Fur is a dark comedy about desire, fantasy, and the innate love of fur.
Book your tickets for Venus in Fur at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London today!
Critic Reviews
Customer Reviews
Amazing, so freaking amazing ! I'd seen a movie of that play before, but with Natalie Dormer and David Oakes it was much much better. Natalie was glorious... I came mainly for David (who also did such a great job, he was perfect for the role, or made the role perfect for him) but I ended up with eyes fixed on Natalie. That character is an awesome, fascinating one, and she made it even greater. As I said, glorious...
Brilliant! Expertly delivered with a great mix of skilled acting and humour and keeps your attention through every moment as the story unravels, not to mention the costumes.
The play was great and unexpectedly funny! The actors were incredible
This is the second time I went to see the play, and it was just as good as the first time. I really wanted my friends to see it, and the easiest way was to book tickets and hence leave them with no choice. They were really happy we did, and were impressed with the role changes and subtleties in the play. Natalie Dormer shows she can just as easy enthrall people from the stage as she can on the screen. David Oakes plays his part exceptionally and together with him we fall in love with Vanda/Venus/Aphrodite.
I’m not a huge fan of plays but this was excellent. Natalie & David are wonderful actors on stage, they’re engaging & very talented. It was a funny & meaningful. I thoroughly enjoyed this show!
Extremely well acted and brilliant and playing the audience. A funny and thoughtful play. Possibly not as deep as the play writer would have liked.
A very enjoyable viewing. Have recommended to others.
What an exciting performance , magnificent we both thoroughly enjoyed it
What's the difference between erotic fiction and porn? How does a traumatic childhood experience drive an adult desire? What happens when boundaries become blurred? Layers of play acting and costume changes are used to explore that ambivalent (or is it ambiguous?) state between excitement and fear. David Oakes is a valiant sparring partner for Natalie Dormer, who is superb from start to finish as the Goddess Rising.
Amazing acting, attention-captivating, witty and provocative! Perfect!
Both actors were very good, with appropriate shifts in accents and great use of the stage. They were also very gracious after the show, with autographs and photos.
Natalie Dormer was OUTSTANDING
Inspirational writing. A charged and electric atmosphere. Superb acting - Venus in Fur was an absolutely stunning production and deserves the highest praise and applause. Very memorable and thought-provoking
An intriguingly erotic play by David Ives, with spectacular performances from Natalie Dormer and David Oakes. Absolute domination from the seductive character of Vanda battling for power of the fairer sex. Definitely worth every penny!
Lovely performance, Natalie Dormer was wonderful
Exceptional performance, funny, dark and we felt fully immersed in the story.
Great show. We were spellbound from start to finish. Natalie Dormer was electrifying and David Oakes was a fantastic foil. The writer is to be congratulated on the arguments and the words duelling between the two players. Thoroughly enjoyable in every way including Natalie's sexy costumes.
I hadn’t read the story or reviews so found the play very enjoyable, and I didn’t see the end coming either. Great acting. Thank you
I thought the acting was brilliant, but I wasn't so keen on the play itself. It seemed to lack something, but I can't put my finger on it. I think I would need to read the play to judge it properly. The set and costumes were very good too. I really love your venue, such a wonderful theatre. Although I live in Reading I will try to come whenever I can. I know that you have an excellent repertoire.
It took me a while to find the Theatre, When I got there it was good. The seating was good, but I have had Better. I did love the play . Both Natalie Dormer and David Oakes were wonderful the parts . The set looked great. Yes I enjoyed the play very much
Good performances - play lacked real depth. Stylish entertainment which was well executed but ultimately was unfulfilling.
stunning lerformance of both actors.
kkkkk
Both characters perfect. Very powerful.
Actress was excellent, very seductive, clever and intelligent. Dialogue was excellent, very funny and entertaining
Spellbinding, terrifying, thrilling, sexy, venus in fur is by far the best show on this year with brilliant use of technical aspects and two superb performances that make the play must see
Such an extraordinary show, electrifying, captivating and witty from beginning to end! Natalie is simply fabulous and David is amazeballs! Totally recommend it.
The show is fantastic, funny and sexy and the chemistry on stage is incredible!
Compelling, fascinating, beautifully acted. Stunning all round. DO NOT MISS this brilliant two-handed play. You'll be riveted.
Superior double hander, brilliantly cast, clever plot twists producing electric tension - all performed at a spanking pace.
An outstanding play, thought provoking, and completely captivating, the actors have you in a trance from beginning to end.
The two actors gave stellar performances in a very demanding play. From the outset the tension between the two actors could be felt in each sentence delivered. A must see!
Fantastic show! I was completely entranced from beginning to end, amazing performances from Oakes and Dormer, Dormer was a force to be reckoned with
Both actors are enthralling and perfectly inhabit their roles the story unfolds perfectly a fabulous theatre event
90 minutes full of incredible talent of acting! Even though it is just a two actors show, it feels like there are so many more characters on stage. It is captivating! What are evening!
A wonderful show which features incredible performances especially from Natalie Dormer who stole the show. Fast paced with beautiful dialogue and an intriguing plot the show captured my attention for the whole run time. Definitely go and see if you fancy something a bit different.
I saw this play the other day and thorpughly enjoyed both actor's performances. It was very well presented and the staging and lighting well done. If you get the chance then go and see this play before the run ends. You won't be disappointed and it's all done in a lovely theatre with friendly staff.
Amazing production and performance last night! If I wasn't auditioning for a part in a play tonight I'd be back there again
Fantastic performance - engaging and electric! Great play, thank you.
Very good show and a great evening out!
I went with my two nieces, one of whom had seen the play already and was so impressed she wanted to go again, and I can see why. The two actors were outstanding. It was funny, sensual, interesting and intriguing. We would recommend anyone to go before the end of the run.
Brilliant acting by Natalie - her portrail of each character was incredible and I was drawn into the performance from start to finish. Both Natalie and David compliment each other and each story is done really well. Highly recommend the show - loved it
Totally amazing love both of these actors but to captivate an audience like they did with just the two of them on stage is fantastic.
A truly outstanding performance, a really well presented production with superb acting.
The acting was brilliant, funny and dramatic! Brilliant way to spend a Saturday night!
Loved the use of language and the clever delivery by the two actors to convey wonderful exploration of human desires and wants. Clever, complex and yet completely truthful in presenting sexual role play in a non patronising way while exploring male and female perceptions from so many different perspectives. Loved the multi-layered approach to the characters and the idea of a play, within a play, within a play and how they blend to a complete whole. Well done Natalie and David for a wonderful afternoon of complete absorption in a quite unique play.
Quite an interesting play. Great acting from Natalie Former!
Absolutely captivating. Both performers are intense and impossible to look away from. Natalie Dormer owns the stage in this multi layered play.
Very strong performance from both actors, absolutely loved it!
Phenomenal Was in tears of happiness!
FAQs
Address
Haymarket. SW1Y 4HT.
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes – no interval
Good To Know
*** Patrons in the Gallery should be aware that seating is on cushioned wooden benches Gallery - please note there are 65 steps up to this level
No latecomers Admitted
How Does It Work
You will receive a confirmation email. Please print this email and bring it with you and present to the Box Office. We recommend you arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before the sho
Suitable For Children
Suitable for 14+
When Can I Go
Monday 7.30pm
Tuesday 7.30pm
Wednesday 7.30pm
Thursday 3pm & 7.30pm
Friday 7.30pm
Saturday 3pm & 7.30pm
Where Do I Go
Theatre Royal Haymarket, 18 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HT.
By Tube-Piccadilly Circus; Leicester Square or Charing Cross Tube Station