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London Duke Of York's Theatre

Summer and Smoke

Following a sold-out run at the Almeida Theatre, Rebecca Frecknall’s ‘shiveringly beautiful production’ (The Sunday Times) of Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke transfers to the West End’s Duke of York’s Theatre for a strictly limited season.

Alma finds herself trapped between desire and a life of obligation when her childhood friend and neighbour John comes back to town for the summer. He, having turned into an impulsive and hedonistic young man, turns Alma's world upside-down, while she struggles to come into to terms with her own feelings, morals and ideas.

This intoxicating play about love, desire, loneliness, and self-destruction, is one of Tennessee William's less known works, but as it is typical in his plays, it follows the roller-coaster of emotions of a complex and deep lead female character, absorbed in the simmering passions of a sweltering summer in a small-town in Mississippi.

‘Patsy Ferran is a genuine marvel’ as Alma (Independent) and Matthew Needham ’fires up the stage’ (The Times) as John in this ‘unmissable Tennessee Williams revival’ (The Telegraph).

This innovative and ‘exquisite, poignant production’ (Financial Times) ‘announces ‘Frecknall as a director of real vision‘ (Independent).

Duration

2 hours and 40 minutes (inclusive of interval)

Good To Know

The appearance of any particular artist cannot be guaranteed. If in doubt please check with the Box Office before booking.

Offers Information

For Accessibility information please contact 0800 912 6971

 

Location

Duke Of York's Theatre

Duke of York's Theatre, St Martin's Lane, London

Additional Details & FAQ

Cancellation Policy

No refunds or exchanges after booking.

How Does It Work

You will receive a booking confirmation email.

If you have chosen to collect at the venues box office, please print the booking 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

To be confirmed.

Where Do I Go

Duke of York's Theatre, St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4BG 

The nearest Tube stations are Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines).

Leicester Square: From the station head north up Charing Cross Road and take the first right onto Long Acre. When the road intersects with Upper St. Martin's Lane turn left. The theatre is a two minute walk away down the road. 

Charing Cross: See the directions in the 'Train' section above. 

Bus: There are plenty of buses operating in this area. 

For the Strand take buses: 6, 9, 11, 15, 23, 91 and 139. 

For Charing Cross take the 24, 29, 47, 176.

Reviews

4.6(19 reviews)
3.6 ( 50 seat reviews )

  • Trevor - Bath

    Jan 19, 2019

    Simple as that. She is breathtaking. The set, direction, lighting etc matched the play's intensity. Mr Needham is brooding, selfish and sensual in equal measure, but it's Patsy's performance that leaves me emotional even now just thinking about it now. THANKYOU Big shout out to the boys in the Terrace Bar for always looking after the punters so well. It's always a pleasure to visit the Duke of York

  • JWP

    Jan 19, 2019

    So glad that we got to see this - everything about it was superb, from the acting (especially the 2 leads) to the setting, with wonderfully atmospheric multiple piano work providing just enough music. Congratulations due all round!! JWP

  • Linda Thorson

    Jan 17, 2019

    One of the most elegiac productions I have ever seen. I was deeply affected. The direction is a revelation, performances of the two leads flawless, technically fastidious without losing an ounce of soulfulness. Shattering but also reassuring. I go to the theatre very frequently and last night reminded me what it is at it's best.

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