Apologia
Apologia
APOLOGIA [a-p-’lo ¯ -j(e ¯ -)]:
a formal written defence of one’s opinions or conduct [OED]
Tony and Emmy Award winner Stockard Channing, Freema Agyeman (Doctor Who), Olivier Award winner Desmond Barrit, Laura Carmichael (Downton Abbey) and Joseph Millson (The Last Kingdom) in a new production of Alexi Kaye Campbell’s darkly funny play about family and its secrets, directed by Jamie Lloyd.
Kristin Miller (Stockard Channing) is a firebrand matriarch and eminent art historian. As a darkly funny evening to celebrate her birthday progresses, secrets emerge about the sacrifices she has made and the price paid by those she loves.
Stockard Channing, best known for starring roles in The West Wing, The Good Wife, her Oscar® Golden Globe nominated role in Six Degrees of Separation, and of course the iconic role of ‘Rizzo’ in the film Grease, is also an acclaimed Broadway and West End star, most recently nominated for her 7th Tony Award for It’s Only a Play and Other Desert Cities, affirming her position as a true theatrical legend.
Apologia marks the return to the Trafalgar Studios of Jamie Lloyd, following his critically acclaimed productions of The Ruling Class and Macbeth starring James McAvoy and his hit production with Martin Freeman of Richard III.
Alexi Kaye Campbell’s compelling drama follows his critical success with The Pride and his acclaimed plays Sunset at The Villa Thalia at the National Theatre and The Faith Machine at the Royal Court Theatre.
- Cast
Hollywood and Broadway icon Stockard Channing will star in a new production of Olivier Award winner Alexi Kaye Campbell’s acclaimed drama Apologia, directed by the multi-award winning Jamie Lloyd.
- Duration
2 hours 20 minutes (including interval)
- Good To Know
Latecomers may be admitted at a suitable break, but late admission cannot be guaranteed until the interval.
Additional Details & FAQ
- Cancellation Policy
No exchanges or refunds after purchase.
- How Does It Work
You will receive a voucher after purchase. Please print and present on arrival.
- Where Do I Go
Trafalgar Studios
14 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2DY
Closest Tube:
Charing Cross and Embankment (Northern and Bakerloo)
Critic Reviews
The Telegraph
Aug 8, 2017
Stockard Channing is a contemptuous treat in this absorbing family drama
The Stage
Aug 8, 2017
"Stockard Channing is on top form in Jamie Lloyd’s revival of this sharply funny, thought-provoking look at ideals and their legacy"
Reviews
Angela Brophy
Nov 19, 2017
Enjoyed the show. Amazing performances. Great play
Inan
Nov 18, 2017
This was one of the best plays I've seen. An amazing cast led by the incredible Stockard Channing. It was witty, moving and heart breaking.
Theatre goer
Nov 17, 2017
Funny, tragic ,very well acted play.
MarionB
Nov 17, 2017
Great play. Well directed and beautifully acted. Pulls off the rare combo of blissfully funny and good food for thought. Ultimately very moving.
Midlife matinee muncher
Nov 17, 2017
Very funny play with tragi comedy elements. Resonates with all mothers everywhere, and grown children too. Seen this play twice now, and it was just as entertaining the second time. Stockard Channing is a phenomenal actor . Great play: go see it!
RL
Nov 15, 2017
Slow at first but enjoyed overall.
LJR
Nov 15, 2017
This was a very good show. It was funnier than expected. Acting was, for the most part, top class. At times though I felt either pauses were longer than necessary, so much so I got the impression one or two people had forgotten lines. Not good when the show has almost finished its run.
Isabellahf
Nov 15, 2017
Excellent !
Steph mom
Nov 8, 2017
Well worth an evening out! The best acting. Amazing play.
Chris M
Nov 8, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed the performance - cast great - script leapt wonderfully from light to deep - hospitable staff - a great evening, thank you.
Christine
Nov 7, 2017
Excellent performances by the entire cast. Stockard Channing superb.
Kirstie Hawes
Nov 1, 2017
My first response when arriving for the show was Extreme disappointment that Stockard Channing was too unwell to perform, however, this quickly passed as the remaining cast were outstanding. As understudy Lynn was AMAZING and I am proud to say I was at her West End debut.
T
Nov 1, 2017
Fabulous performances in great theatre
AD
Oct 21, 2017
The performances had me transfixed from the start. Channing embodied the character that by the end it seemed she had actually lived that character's life. I don't think I breathed in the second half ! Thank you
D Hart
Oct 18, 2017
We went to a Tuesday evening showing of Apologia, having read no reviews or pre-material. Both of us thoroughly enjoyed - cast is excellent, staging simple but effective and the play itself is a pleasant blend of funny, at times hilarious, dialogue and moving scenes with a clear but intriguing overall message. Would highly recommend.
Anna Stefani
Oct 10, 2017
Performances were brilliant. Freema and Stockard are the best! And well written and directed!!!
Emma
Oct 6, 2017
A great show which is thought provoking and apt for the current climate. A fabulous cast that draw you in and hold your attention.
Catjrow3
Oct 4, 2017
Enjoyable. Good performances, good acting. You need to invest your attention, not just sit back and be entertained. Enjoyed the old man humor
Marica
Oct 3, 2017
Great theatre show. I enjoyed very much, interesting, vibrant, excellent actors.
Elliott Lynch
Sep 27, 2017
Such an amazing play. I so enjoyed it and cannot recommend it enough! Phenomenal acting, intimate theatre, very funny and inherently dramatic! Stockard Channing - WOW! What a woman. Laura Carmichael is so charming and her timing is hilarious! Great ensemble of actors. The theatre is so well designed, it doesn't matter where you sit they're all fantastic!
kake
Sep 26, 2017
Enjoyed the first half of this play immensely, some laughs, and more serious moments. The second half was slow and a little dull.
Susan
Sep 20, 2017
Perfectly developed and finely exposed themes made for a thought-provoking evening. Stockard Channing was faultless and powerful, supported by the rest of the cast. Trudy (thanks also to the flawless writing of her part) perfectly captured the typical socially-sensitive religious American. An excellent evening if you are looking for well-crafted and well-acted serious drama.
Sharon D
Sep 20, 2017
Amazing. Fantastic acting from all cast. Great writing and direction.
Jane
Sep 19, 2017
Excellent .!!
George Bennett
Sep 6, 2017
This was generally a good entertaining play that was well acted and told a good story. Laura Carmichael's American accent was very good, a complete change from popular television roles. I felt perhaps that some of the swearing was a little too much at times. Perhaps this could have been confined to those occasions when the characters emotions were running high. But congratulations to all the actors and importantly all the other people involved in the production.
Chris
Aug 31, 2017
We enjoyed the production which was both funny and at times moving. Laura Carmichael and Joseph Millson were particularly outstanding.
Chris
Aug 30, 2017
I really enjoyed it
Anna Stefani
Aug 29, 2017
The play was brilliant. Well written, perfect acting from all the actors. Love so much the amazing Channing and Freema Agyman were outstanding
Gilly
Aug 29, 2017
Great acting , absorbing
Debra
Aug 26, 2017
Apologia is a provocative play, with an excellent cast. I was engaged from the onset-not sure where the story would end. The play was well done in every sense.
Inez
Aug 26, 2017
The dialogue was on an exceptionally high level, with subtlety and nuance. Perfectly executed by a hand-picked, sophisticated cast. The play was tight and well directed. The subject matter is weighty and interesting and handled with outstanding honesty and humour.
Paulene
Aug 19, 2017
A well worked cast with super skill. Great writing. An inspirational team who collectively tell a story very well worth watching.
Merle Sassoon
Aug 16, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this play. It was amusing but also very deep and thought provoking. Very well acted.
Anon
Aug 11, 2017
Superb cast. Interesting and thoughtful production. Highly recommended.
Ann
Aug 11, 2017
A roller coaster of emotions intense, funny, thoughtful. Just superb.
NF
Aug 9, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyable, highly recommend