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London Noel Coward Theatre

Best of Enemies

The sold out, critically acclaimed and multiple award-winning hit, Best of Enemies transfers to the West End this November. Zachary Quinto (The Boys in the Band, Star Trek, Heroes)  makes his London stage debut playing left-wing icon Gore Vidal, with David Harewood (Homeland, Super Girl, Ten Percent) reprising his role as the right-wing figurehead William F. Buckley Jr.

1968 – a year of protest that divided America. As two men fight to become the next President, all eyes are on the battle between two others: the cunningly conservative William F. Buckley Jr., and the iconoclastic liberal Gore Vidal. Beliefs are challenged and slurs slung as these political idols feud nightly in a new television format, debating the moral landscape of a shattered nation. Little do they know they're about to open up a new frontier in American politics, and transform television news forever…

James Graham’s work for TV (Sherwood, Quiz, Brexit: The Uncivil War) and theatre (Ink, This House, Labour of Love) makes him one of the UK’s most exhilarating and celebrated writers and Best of Enemies reunites him with award-winning director, Jeremy Herrin (People, Places and Things, Wolf Hall Trilogy, This House). This Young Vic and Headlong transfer to the Noël Coward “rushes at the audience like a newshound after a story” (The Observer) and is “the most riveting play in London" (New York Times).

Booking Information

Filmed performances 

2.30pm Wednesday 25 January 2023
2.30pm Wednesday 1 February 2023
7.30pm Wednesday 1 February 2023

Duration

2 hours 25 minutes - Including interval

Good To Know

This show contains themes of racism, homophobia and violence, use of strobe, and smoking onstage. Temporary glare from projectors may occur on occasion from certain seats.

Everyone, regardless of age, must have their own ticket to enter the theatre. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by and sat next to a ticketholder who is at least 18 years old. Children under the age of 3 will not be admitted. Latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break but we cannot guarantee admittance into the performance.

You may not bring food or drink purchased elsewhere.

Please note: This performance will be filmed. There will be several cameras in the auditorium and views of the stage may be blocked at any time during the performance.  There will be 360 degree filming which will result in audience members being filmed and being visible in any later broadcast. By attending you are agreeing to being filmed.
Latecomers will not be admitted.

2.30pm Wednesday 25 January 2023
2.30pm Wednesday 1 February 2023
7.30pm Wednesday 1 February 2023

Location

Noel Coward Theatre

85-88 St Martins Lane London WC2N 4AU

Additional Details & FAQ

Access Information

For more information regarding accessibility, please check the venue website here.

Cancellation Policy

No refunds or exchanges after purchase.

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.

Where Do I Go

85-88 St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4AP

Tube Leicester Square (approx.  100m)

Train Charring Cross (approx.  200m) 

Reviews

4.8(12 reviews)
4.0 ( 50 seat reviews )

  • Kim

    Feb 16, 2023

    Wonderful play. I would thoroughly recommend it.

  • Paul

    Feb 7, 2023

    This play is political and demands a lot in terms of knowledge of US history since WW2. That said it is of interest in relation to today's battlegrounds in the US between conservatives and liberals and the ongoing culture wars. It is a slick production and the acting is excellent. Go see!

  • Anita Pearson-Dave

    Feb 4, 2023

    Electrifying performance by the two main actors. All the actors were incredible. Covered a series of television debates by conservative and liberal politicians and thinkers in 1968 US elections. Explored the repercussions and how it has affected recent elections. Very clever set design. Would highly recommend!

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