A Day in the Death of Joe Egg
A Day in the Death of Joe Egg
Peter Nichols’ funny and moving masterpiece, A Day in the Death of Joe Egg, is the extraordinary play inspired by the author’s own experience of raising his daughter. A story about family, it shines a light on her parents’ caring for their disabled daughter, affectionately nicknamed “Joe Egg”, and how they live using wild wry humour to keep the family together.
This new production brings together some of Britain’s greatest actors including Toby Stephens (Oslo, Lost in Space), Claire Skinner (Outnumbered) as husband and wife, Bri and Sheila, who star alongside Olivier Award winner Patricia Hodge (Miranda, National Theatre’s Money) as Bri’s mother, all making their long-awaited returns to the West End in this new production from leading director Simon Evans (Killer Joe, Arturo Ui).
Hilarious and heartbreaking, this vitally important story will pierce your heart one moment, and fill it with warmth the next. With its courageous humour and astonishing honesty, A Day in the Death of Joe Egg is the must see play of the autumn.
‘Heartbreaking. Funny. Full of bravery.’
Metro
★★★★ ‘Pin-sharp. Heartbreaking and funny’
Evening Standard
★★★★
Telegraph
- Booking Information
This show contains the smoking of herbal cigarettes.
- Duration
Approx. running times for A Day in the Death of Joe Egg is 2 hours 30 mins, including a 20 minute interval.
- Good To Know
The appearance of any member of cast is subject to change and may be affected by contracts, holiday, illness, or events beyond the producers' control. If in doubt please check with the Box Office before booking.
This show contains the smoking of herbal cigarettes.
From Monday 7th October to Monday 21st October, the Extinction Rebellion have organised protests across London designed to cause major disruption to those who work, live or travel in to London during this period.
Additional Details & FAQ
- Access Information
For access bookings, please contact the Box Office on 0800 912 6971
- Cancellation Policy
No refunds or exchanges after booking.
- How Does It Work
You will receive a booking confirmation email.
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
Age recommendation: 12+
- Where Do I Go
Trafalgar Studios, 14 Whitehall, Westminster, London SW1A 2DY
Reviews
Richard shepherd
Dec 4, 2019
This play was superb . Both sad and funny and unexpectedly touching . Perfect casting . And could easily watch it again . Utter class !
Kate W
Nov 28, 2019
We were brought into Bri and Sheila's living room and felt the intensity of their strained relationship emotional toll of caring for their daughter who has cerebral palsy. Although the subject matter is serious there is plenty of light relief.
tim smith
Nov 24, 2019
Brilliant acting, but such a dull script. We see many plays .....and this was un-inspiring. The guy next to me fell asleep!
Midlands Fan
Nov 24, 2019
Imaginatively staged and beautifully developed and acted this production ovrcame the inevitable sensitivities of the play's age and core subject. Toby Phillips and Clare Skinner matched and stimulated each other to marvellous insights. patricia Hodge's second half cameo was a joy.
AngelaF
Nov 23, 2019
Front row seats which I was warned had a restricted view- didn’t restrict at all. Acting was really interactive with the audience! Added bonus was to bump into Hugh Dennis in the bar! The leading lady, Claire Skinner, is his leading lady so that was nice! Toby Stevens was transformed from the 007 bad boy!
Christine Diment
Nov 16, 2019
A moving performance with excellent acting and some humour as well as some poignant moments. Although written and first performed in the sixties it still has relevance today.
Lisa Bish
Nov 8, 2019
A most interesting afternoon,watching a very well- Acted play.Toby Stephens and Clare Skinner were particularly good although the play itself is now Something of a period piece. Still, plenty of food for thought. The theatre staff deserve a mention for courtesy and concern.
Pauline Ward
Nov 3, 2019
Well presented. Good paced thoughtful play. Enough funny moments to lighten the story.
Anna G
Nov 3, 2019
Amazing performance. Strongly recommended
Mr Cordelia Spreadborough
Oct 31, 2019
What a lovely evening my husband and I had. The play was amazing and the acting was fabulous. Very comfortable to sit watch and a great experience
Richard Crouch
Oct 25, 2019
Storme Toolis, an actor who is disabled as the result of cerebral palsy, plays Joe, the disabled 15 year-old daughter of Bri (Toby Stephens) and Sheila (Claire Skinner). It is vital that Joe should not be played by an able bodied actor and Toolis inevitably brings an empathy to the role that is felt by the audience. It is important also that Joe is seen as a living character and not as a theatrical prop. The show succeeds in being thought provoking as well as entertaining its audience. Watch out for a show stealing performance by Patricia Hodge as Bri’s mother, Grace.
SirHarryPearce
Oct 18, 2019
I was aware of the play title but not so much the subject matter. I'd seen the reviews and really wanted to see it. The story is as powerful today as it was when it was written 50 years ago. We see this married couple try to maintain their marriage whilst looking after their daughter who has cerebral palsy. They use humour to get through their day but the strain is taking its toll. Brilliantly played by all the cast. It's thought provoking & moving, and yes there is humour. A Day in the Death of Joe Egg is not a day wasted....
John Lee
Sep 29, 2019
Although the cast did "a good job" I kept wishing that this had been written by Alan Bennet, the dialogue would have been funnier and crisper, the subject matter would have treated in another way (I don't know quite what, having worked with disabilities for years I do understand the need for black humour which doesn't disrespect). Perhaps this just wasn't for me as I have enjoyed Peter Nichols other works