The Inheritance is a two-part play and is intended to be seen sequentially. However, each part constitutes a complete theatre-going experience on its own.
Winner of 'Best Play' at the Evening Standard Awards 2018, The Inheritance is the play that has taken London's West End by storm. Following a critically-acclaimed run at London’s Young Vic, Matthew Lopez’s play The Inheritance is transferring to London's Noel Coward Theatre from September 2018, for just fifteen weeks.
Directed by multi Olivier Award winner Stephen Daldry, this “monumental and transcendent” (Time Out) production questions how much we owe to those who lived and loved before us. You can read our review of The Inheritance here.
What Is The Inheritance About?
A tale that spans generations and links lives, The Inheritance asks what it’s like to be a young gay man living in New York a generation after the peak of the AIDs crisis. This “remarkably involving production” (Independent) from director Stephen Daldry explores the legacy left by previous generations and the debt we owe to the future – and to each other.
“An exquisitely truthful and funny modern classic” (Telegraph), The Inheritance is a brilliant take on E.M. Forster’s classic novel Howard’s End that sets the tale in our modern world and tells it through the eyes of a group of young, ambitious New Yorkers. By equal turns hilarious, turbulent, and profound, it’s an unmissable theatrical experience.
Book your tickets for The Inheritance at the Noel Coward Theatre in London today!
★★★★★ “Perhaps the most important American play of the century” - The Telegraph
★★★★★ “Witty, outrageous and piercingly vivid.” - Evening Standard
★★★★★ “An extraordinary epic event” - Sunday Times
The Inheritance Part 2 reviews
I said it before and I will say it again: please go and watch it. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, whatever gender you’re identifying as, whoever you love: this play is life changing in many ways.
As a gay man of a certain age I can relate to this play so much , being around before HIV and AIDS reared its ugly head . I watched many a young man arrive on the scene and go down hill and die . This play brings it all back and puts it in perspective, well written and very well acted by all concerned, I have to admit I shed a tear or two.
Loved the beginning of the Part 2, sharp, dynamic and well written and acted. However, by the second and third acts, the play needed skilful editing to keep me engaged, The ending could have had more impact, but by then it felt like torture as the conclusion of the entire piece was obvious and sooooo drawn out .
You have to see part one to fully understand part two. Really enjoyed it but wasn’t sure why the story really needed Mrs Avery. And her accent was awful!
A brilliant piece of theatre, presented with love, flair, passion and tenderness. Emotionally highly charged, fast paced and very moving - almost Shakesperian at times. All the actors were magnificent. Seeing part 2 first was not ideal but it soon made perfect sense and I eagerly await part 1 next week. A wonderful tribute to the genius of E.M. Forster. Fantastic evening!
Well done. Witty script and tiredless performance. Amazing
Totally Brilliant!
Extraordinary Best play I have ever seen
After the strong emotions of part 1, it's time for hope. Very powerful narrative.
Overall a brilliant show. Told with such truth, honesty and commitment. These actors clearly are passionate about their work and I love how captivating it was. Not a dry eye in the audience! 5stars!!
Brilliant! Moving, touching, witty. Loved it so much. Well worth the time and money. Well done to all!
Best play I've ever seen!
Absolutely brilliant !!!!!!!!
IT IS IMPORTANT TO SEE BOTH PARTS OF THIS REMARKABLE PLAY. PERFECT ENSEMBLE CAST AND MISS REDGRAVE INCREDIBLE. 1O/10
I really enjoyed the main theme of this play, the clever merging of themes and events from Howard’s End with the modern gay life stories. However towards the end it really dragged on and I was willing it to get on with finishing so that I could get home. It felt that the playwright was being a bit too self-indulgent and asking for too much of my attention.... the political references (anti-Trump) were boring and will date the play. It would really benefit from editing out the least important bits, to make it a more punchy and enjoyable entertainment.
As World Aids day approaches this play is even more poignant. having worked in this field it was very meaningful but also amusing and fun. The time passed so quickly, saw Part 1 at the young Vic but could not get tickets for Part 2, so really glad the opportunity presented itself moving to the west end. Clever play with brilliant acting - a must see
Speechless. Theatre at its best.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The most moving play I’ve seen!
It continued the story of the central characters, drawing you further into their narratives in an affecting, emotional way. Overall, a timeless epic drama.
Part 2 can be seen as a stand alone work of art. Although more “wordy” than part 1, it still offered the audience to be a part of the play. The direction was just as good as part 1. A long play but offered more than the worth of the tickets. Visiting from New Zealand but if we had a chance, we’d see both plays again.
A very good continuation to part 1.
The two parts of this play are genuinely the best pieces of modern theatre I have ever seen. I have never felt so emotionally involved or so caught up in the characters of a play. The messages (so many important messages) stay with you long after the performance, leaving you with so much to think about. I feel privileged to have been able to se such an important, relevant, moving, stunning piece of drama. Thank you
A heavy, lengthy production full of emotions, fun, and great acting. Hard to follow at times due to the intensity yet overall, a wonderful real production which deserved its standing ovation!
You will not find more powerful, talented, acting on the London stage.
First, I don't think you can fully appreciate the mastery of this Magnum Opus without seeing both halves, and also for me the impact was not totally immediate and some parts swilled around in my mind for a few days before they fully made sense. It is a very clever play on so many levels, historic and current- the POTUS who should not be named was not named. The audience were kept in the sway with "in jokes" the acting of all characters was sensational and athletic. I thoroughly recommend this play and hope the run is extended or moved to another small and intimate theatre as the Noel Coward Theatre was just perfect.
I came into this show not knowing what to expect except that I knew it was a long show. But goodness, I had no clue what an impact it would leave me. The play talks about two different generation of the gay community uniting in it's frailty, faults, devistations, triumph, and love. The acting in this is the best acting I've ever seen on stage. The transition of characters was a marvel to behold. Bravo to the casting director who put this cast together. The direction in this was top notch. There are moving and heartbreaking moments in this play that reminded me so much of New York (being a New Yorker myself). I related a lot to the events that occurred and learned about events that I was too young to see. But this play holds an incredible balance in comedy, drama, and insight. Be prepared to have an open schedule to catch both parts. But is it worth it? YOU BETCHA IT'S WORTH IT!! Be prepared to have something stick with you forever.
On so many levels this play was superb. Better than angels in America, the chemistry between the actors and immediacy of each character brought the audience into each scene. As a woman Who was involved in the gay community in the 80s, I would have liked to have seen more women in the scenes. Bravo to the playwright, to the actors, the choreographer, and the creative thinker behind the stage set. I do hope you come to San Francisco, this show is epic.
FAQs
Access Information
For information on accessibility please call 0344 482 5137.
Address
85-88 St Martins Lane London WC2N 4AU
Cancellation Policy
No refunds after purchase.
Duration
The running time of THE INHERITANCE PART 2 is 3 hours 20 mins, with 1 interval and a 5 minute pause.
Good To Know
The Inheritance is a two-part play and is intended to be seen sequentially. However, each part constitutes a complete theatre-going experience on its own.
How Does It Work
You will receive a confirmation email.
Please print the confirmation and bring it on the day, a minimum of 30 minutes before the performance start time. You will also need to present the card used to purchase the tickets as valid ID.
Suitable For Children
Recommended Age: 14+
Children are welcome at all Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, but this may be subject to individual production age restrictions due to content. If any age restrictions for productions apply we shall advise you prior to the performance.
All persons aged under 16 must be accompanied and sat next to the accompanying adult. They may not sit on their own within the auditorium. If children do have separate seats, entry could be refused.
All patrons, regardless of age, must present a valid ticket to gain entry to the theatre. Please ensure that any children or infants for whom you are responsible also have a valid ticket. Your child should be able to sit unaided within the purchased seat. We do not allow children to be seated on an adult’s lap or babes in arms.
When Can I Go
Friday 21 September 2018 - Saturday 5 January 2019
Monday - Saturday: 7.15pm
Wednesday & Saturday (& Thursday 27th December): 1.15pm
Where Do I Go
85-88 St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4AP
Tube Leicester Square (approx. 100m)
Train Charring Cross (approx. 200m)