Bad Jews
Bad Jews
Following two record-breaking, sold-out engagements, Bad Jews returns to the Arts Theatre in London for 11 weeks only!
Set over one night in a Manhattan apartment, a family’s younger generation battles it out to decide who is the most deserving of a precious heirloom passed down from their beloved grandfather. Would it be the bossy, overbearing and fanatical Daphna, her wealthy cousin Liam, his non-Jewish girlfriend Melody, or Jonah, who would prefer not to get involved?
Bad Jews premiered in New York in 2012 before having two sold out West End engagements. Now the “shockingly good” (Independent) original West-End production returns to the Arts Theatre for a strictly limited 11 weeks.
- Cast
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.
- Duration
110 minutes, no interval
Additional Details & FAQ
- Access Information
Please contact the box office directly for all enquiries and access bookings on 020 7836 8463.
- Cancellation Policy
1. If you test positive for COVID-19, display symptoms, or are asked to isolate by NHS Test and Trace you can exchange your tickets.
2. If the show is cancelled due to COVID-19 or any other reason, you will be offered a free exchange or refund.
3. If the show is going ahead and you are able to attend, there will be no exchange or refund available.- Suitable For Children
12 years old plus
- Where Do I Go
Arts Theatre, 6-7 Great Newport St, London WC2H 7JB
Reviews
Sarah Hornsey
Sep 27, 2022
This show starts very slowly. It's a very claustrophobic production set in one small room. The characters feel very one dimensional. You are never really introduced to the back stories of each character which leaves you filling in the blanks yourself. I think a lot of references would go over most peoples head. It is almost too deep and existential for it's own good. It was like Woody Allen and Neil Simon without the humour. It lacked something. It played on the stereotype of the archetypal New York Jew, but it's is neither endearing, nor realistic. The characters were like cardboard cutouts, especially Jonah. He barely lifted his head up the entire production. I felt I was staring down at the top of his long head of hair all night. It just felt awkward and like the author had forgotten to write any meaningful lines for him to say. My friend who isn't Jewish missed quite a few nuances of the play too. The character of Diana going by the Hebrew name "Daphna" was lost on her. She didn't understand the complex hypocrisy of this character. She missed most of the underlying humour. More background and setting out of the scenes and characters was needed. It just wasn't there. However, I still enjoyed it. It was an interesting subject to tackle and it really was written from the heart. It tried to combine comedy and tragedy which is always difficult. I would give it A++ for effort.
Annon
Sep 25, 2022
Was not impressed with the play Thought it could have had a lot more substance Lot of screaming didn’t give a good impression of the young Jewish people of today Seats were diabolical hard bench type Back row of circle
Stephen
Sep 24, 2022
Excellent script and acting. No interval so not over long. Sone unnecessary bad language. Overall we enjoyed it a lot and recommend it.
Sharon
Sep 20, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this play… slow start but then … the feuding begins making the characters of the cousins feel believable …Diana’s raging response to everything and her constant monologues are hysterical and I belly laughed through most of this play, however there were moments of sad pathos in relation to the papa’s experience of the holocaust.
Mr Kuldip Dhaliwal
Sep 17, 2022
Good theatre, cast and story well acted
Paula and Sandra
Sep 14, 2022
I have rarely seen a better show. The acting was totally believable and pure genius. It was ay times sad, funny and embarrassing but always entertaining. I've told as many people I know you go before the last performance on the 25th. Congratulations to everyone!!
Nicola Schwartz
Sep 12, 2022
We loved the play which covered tough topics that kept us discussing them long after the play had ended. We loved the characters and the actors' depiction of them. Highly recommend!
Jane Halliday
Sep 10, 2022
A boisterous and yet poignant study of a new generation struggling to come to peace with the sacrifices of the past. Beautifully relevant to the global religious melting pot and to the striving for progress without losing a treasured heritage. And big satire on the use if things and objects to preserve the spiritual and elusive.
PD
Sep 9, 2022
Excellent show
Leah
Sep 8, 2022
It was intense, but clever.
Jane Brazier
Sep 4, 2022
Great performances Bit too real life right now for me to find most of it funny No interval?
Jackie
Sep 2, 2022
I found it funny and emotional and absolutely brilliant
Anonymous
Sep 1, 2022
Play was excellent.
Deborah Exell
Aug 31, 2022
The characterisation was exacting - addressed an interesting topic of what it means to be a modern Jew in the guise of a family saga - very funny
Ruby
Aug 29, 2022
Amazing acting, hilarious plot and lots of twists and turns
Melanie Rumbak
Aug 27, 2022
Fabulous show very funny, with bittersweet moments along the way.
Stuart Boucher
Aug 10, 2022
Well acted, humorous, poignant and touching enactment of a sensitive subject. I thoroughly enjoyed and the twist at the end was most surprising!
Em
Aug 4, 2022
fast paced and very funny - the four actors are amazing
Jo.c
Aug 4, 2022
Heard about play last minute so decided to give it a go and wasn't disappointed. Maybe not one of the more well known shows but definitely worth a visit. Very funny and occasionally dark comedy. 90 minutes no break ,if thinking of a show to watch check it out.
Quiqie N
Jul 31, 2022
Very good story and actors.
Alex
Jul 31, 2022
The acting was outstanding. To learn the monologues and diatribes was superb. As a reflection of a New York Jewish family in conversation it was just like being there. Frighteningly accurate. I just wish it could have been funnier.
barb
Jul 30, 2022
Play was very good had some funny bits in it. was a serious subject but made you laugh as well. I really enjoyed it .
Millie.
Jul 29, 2022
Funny and thought provoking. Will be recommending to others.
Ralph
Jul 28, 2022
I enjoyed Bad Jews. It was well acted and well staged. However, this is not a 'must see' show. The message could have been more powerfully drawn.
Al Tutt
Jul 22, 2022
I was expecting clever dialogue but instead was subjected to continual ranting and slanging match. The only character I had any sympathy with was the younger brother. The singing of Summertime was ridiculous and implausible. I presume that US humour is very different to UK humour. Still, it is a nice theatre and I hope to be able to see a better play there somewhen.
Monika
Jul 21, 2022
This was a moving as well as hilarious play. It was brilliantly acted in a small claustrophobic setting. It brilliantly portrayed the differences of outlook, values and opinions of three cousins who have been brought together by their grandfathers death.
@Rhianlloydartist
Jul 18, 2022
A play that questions how people hold onto traditions and for what purpose. There is a lot of vented anger in this play, executed with high tension, passion and juvenile selfishness. The monologues are fast and furious, well executed with spice, sting and venom which their dear Papa would be turning in his grave if he heard his grandchildren arguing over something that was once his….