★★★★★ ‘An immersive, powerful experience. A deeply moving piece of theatre.’ Financial Times

Following universal critical acclaim, and direct from a sold-out run at the Young Vic, the National Theatre and Young Vic co-production with Good Chance Theatre of Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson’s The Jungle, directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin transfers to the West End this summer.

This is the place where people suffered and dreamed. Meet the hopeful, resilient residents of The Jungle – just across the Channel, right on our doorstep. The Jungle tells stories of loss, fear, community and hope, of the Calais camp’s creation - and of its eventual destruction. Join the residents over freshly baked naan and sweet milky chai at the Afghan Café, and experience the intense, moving and uplifting encounters between refugees from many different countries and the volunteers who arrived from the UK.

Experience the Playhouse Theatre as never before, as the venue undergoes an extraordinary transformation to recreate the intimate in-the-round staging of Miriam Buether’s critically-acclaimed Young Vic design. Audiences are invited to choose from two unique experiences: take a seat at the benches and tables of the vibrant and bustling Afghan Café at the heart of the Calais Jungle, or watch from ‘Cliffs of Dover’ in the circle, overlooking the dynamic performance space below. Wherever you sit, prepare to be transported into the world of the Calais camp, where a community forged from necessity shares its unimaginable stories of hope against all odds.

★★★★★ ‘An extraordinarily effective piece of theatre. It celebrates the human capacity to build something out of nothing, to work together and try to make a difference.’ The Guardian

★★★★★ ‘Beautifully orchestrated. Wonderfully humane and illuminating.’ Independent

★★★★★ ‘A significant event in which theatre shakes hands with the world’ Sunday Times

★★★★★ ‘Full of music and movement; human resilience can be a glittering thing.’ Time Out

From Joe Robertson and Joe Murphy, a new play where worlds collide. In the worst places, you meet the best people.

Good To Know

The auditorium has been transformed into the world of the Afghan Café in the Calais Jungle. The Calais camp was largely organised by nationality, and the auditorium space has been designed to reflect this.’

Due to the nature of the performance space you may be asked to check bags and coats into our free cloakroom. No latecomers are permitted. If you leave your seat during the performance you may be prevented from readmission to the auditorium.

Please note, this production contains the following:

Smoke effects; Strobe/ flashing lights; Cigarette smoking; Strong language; Loud noises and gunshot sounds; Prolonged periods of darkness; Images which some may find disturbing.

Additional Details & FAQ

Access Information

Access Bookings: 0800 912 6971

Tuesday 14th August 19:30 – Captioned Performance

Tuesday 7th August 19:30 – AD Performance

Cancellation Policy

No exchanges or refunds after booking.

How Does It Work

Please print confirmation email and bring along with you to your performance. 

Suitable For Children

Suitable for ages 12+ 

What Should I Expect

The Playhouse will undergo a massive transformation, and the stall seats in the auditorium will be reconfigured with the audience sat on benches cushions and tables in of the Afghan Café in the Calais camp. 

The Dress circle will be renamed the ‘Cliffs of Dover’ for audiences who want a more traditional theatre experience and have an overview of the whole area. 

Where Do I Go

Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5DE

Reviews

4.9(50 reviews)
  • N Evans

    Oct 28, 2018

    Fabulous play, thought provoking, heartfelt and an emotional rollercoaster. The Afghan cafe setting and the excellent acting provides an evening that you will not forget. It makes you wish you could do more and questions the humanity of the world. A big issue play with no real solution. We felt the pain and can’t but question our government and others around the world.

  • Jane Cunningham

    Oct 21, 2018

    Excellent performances and content. This should be beamed into cinemas around the country.

  • el nunn

    Oct 20, 2018

    Fantastic play with an extremely important issue at the heart. The choreography and set design is brilliant

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