The Jungle
The Jungle
★★★★★ ‘An immersive, powerful experience. A deeply moving piece of theatre.’ Financial Times
Following universal critical acclaim, and direct from a sold-out run at the Young Vic, the National Theatre and Young Vic co-production with Good Chance Theatre of Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson’s The Jungle, directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin transfers to the West End this summer.
This is the place where people suffered and dreamed. Meet the hopeful, resilient residents of The Jungle – just across the Channel, right on our doorstep. The Jungle tells stories of loss, fear, community and hope, of the Calais camp’s creation - and of its eventual destruction. Join the residents over freshly baked naan and sweet milky chai at the Afghan Café, and experience the intense, moving and uplifting encounters between refugees from many different countries and the volunteers who arrived from the UK.
Experience the Playhouse Theatre as never before, as the venue undergoes an extraordinary transformation to recreate the intimate in-the-round staging of Miriam Buether’s critically-acclaimed Young Vic design. Audiences are invited to choose from two unique experiences: take a seat at the benches and tables of the vibrant and bustling Afghan Café at the heart of the Calais Jungle, or watch from ‘Cliffs of Dover’ in the circle, overlooking the dynamic performance space below. Wherever you sit, prepare to be transported into the world of the Calais camp, where a community forged from necessity shares its unimaginable stories of hope against all odds.
★★★★★ ‘An extraordinarily effective piece of theatre. It celebrates the human capacity to build something out of nothing, to work together and try to make a difference.’ The Guardian
★★★★★ ‘Beautifully orchestrated. Wonderfully humane and illuminating.’ Independent
★★★★★ ‘A significant event in which theatre shakes hands with the world’ Sunday Times
★★★★★ ‘Full of music and movement; human resilience can be a glittering thing.’ Time Out
From Joe Robertson and Joe Murphy, a new play where worlds collide. In the worst places, you meet the best people.
- Good To Know
The auditorium has been transformed into the world of the Afghan Café in the Calais Jungle. The Calais camp was largely organised by nationality, and the auditorium space has been designed to reflect this.’
Due to the nature of the performance space you may be asked to check bags and coats into our free cloakroom. No latecomers are permitted. If you leave your seat during the performance you may be prevented from readmission to the auditorium.
Please note, this production contains the following:
Smoke effects; Strobe/ flashing lights; Cigarette smoking; Strong language; Loud noises and gunshot sounds; Prolonged periods of darkness; Images which some may find disturbing.
Additional Details & FAQ
- Access Information
Access Bookings: 0800 912 6971
Tuesday 14th August 19:30 – Captioned Performance
Tuesday 7th August 19:30 – AD Performance
- Cancellation Policy
No exchanges or refunds after booking.
- How Does It Work
Please print confirmation email and bring along with you to your performance.
- Suitable For Children
Suitable for ages 12+
- What Should I Expect
The Playhouse will undergo a massive transformation, and the stall seats in the auditorium will be reconfigured with the audience sat on benches cushions and tables in of the Afghan Café in the Calais camp.
The Dress circle will be renamed the ‘Cliffs of Dover’ for audiences who want a more traditional theatre experience and have an overview of the whole area.
- Where Do I Go
Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5DE
Reviews
N Evans
Oct 28, 2018
Fabulous play, thought provoking, heartfelt and an emotional rollercoaster. The Afghan cafe setting and the excellent acting provides an evening that you will not forget. It makes you wish you could do more and questions the humanity of the world. A big issue play with no real solution. We felt the pain and can’t but question our government and others around the world.
Jane Cunningham
Oct 21, 2018
Excellent performances and content. This should be beamed into cinemas around the country.
el nunn
Oct 20, 2018
Fantastic play with an extremely important issue at the heart. The choreography and set design is brilliant
Very pleased
Oct 5, 2018
Really brilliant show and very thought provoking.
Trevor Thorne.
Sep 22, 2018
Very thought provoking! Sitting in the jungle with the actors really made made feel I was living in the experience of a refugee camp. I thought the play was a little tough on the French and the British government. I have a background in Conservative politics so found some of the comments a little hard to swallow. Overall very good.
Yaffa
Sep 21, 2018
Heart breaking, real, moving. So close to home yet we manage to live our lives totally removed from the reality of Callais and The Jungle. Yet, there were some light moments of smiles, grimace and almost laughter. Go and see it. The theatre has undergone a total transformation and you feel part of the dramatic action.
Tessa
Sep 15, 2018
A wonderful production that showed the both the horror and resilience, the kindness as well as the desperation of life in the Jungle. Based on reality the play is hard- hitting and true, but never didactic. I would recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who wants to understand our world today while appreciating a superb new theatrical experience.
Anna
Sep 12, 2018
Very good, highly recommend!
Brodie
Sep 12, 2018
Absolutely eye opening and thought provoking piece of Theatre. I want to go again tonight! MUST SEE!
Tasha
Sep 11, 2018
From the stage to the acting, everything about this play was incredible. They all gave so much passion to their performance, I don't know how they manage it every night! Make sure you get in to see it before it ends!
Faye
Sep 11, 2018
Saw The Jungle last night and would thoroughly recommend it to others. An honest and moving portrayal of a subject that we should all know more about. I was brought to tears on several occasions and spent the rest chuckling away. A very clever balance of humour and stark reality. Go go go see it!
Gerry
Sep 5, 2018
This is a wonderful show. Brilliantly acted and staged and hugely thought provoking. I am encouraging everyone to go and see it.
Coco
Sep 5, 2018
I was an amazing experience from start to finish and I felt I learned a great deal about the refugee crisis at Calais, but more importantly you see it through the eyes of the refugees and the people trying to help them. The way all the diverse people came together and formed a working community. The acting was inspired and the setting was incredible. I wish everyone would see it and especially world leaders who Have any sense of humanity. We in western society create many of the refugee crisis by invading their countries or by ignoring the impact of climate change. We do nothing to stop the genocide in several countries. Loook Back in recent history, we denied the Jews fleeing Germany entry to the US and even a boatload of children. The same of the UK, we could have saved them easily. This okay shows us again our inhumanity to their plight. Go See it!
Coco
Sep 5, 2018
I was an amazing experience from start to finish and I felt I learned a great deal about the refugee crisis at Calais, but more importantly you see it through the eyes of the refugees and the people trying to help them. The way all the diverse people came together and formed a working community. The acting was inspired and the setting was incredible. I wish everyone would see it and especially world leaders who Have any sense of humanity. We in western society create many of the refugee crisis by invading their countries or by ignoring the impact of climate change. We do nothing to stop the genocide in several countries. Loook Back in recent history, we denied the Jews fleeing Germany entry to the US and even a boatload of children. The same of the UK, we could have saved them easily. This okay shows us again our inhumanity to their plight. Go See it!
Donna
Sep 4, 2018
Extremely good play. The setting was amazing as well as the way it was acted in the middle of the audience. I really really recommend this play.
Philippa
Sep 4, 2018
One of the most moving, real, thought provoking performances that I've seen in a while. The Jungle reminds us what it means to be a human being.
David Blonder
Aug 29, 2018
Unbelievably real, emotinal and moving Must see for anyone with a conscience Teens should see it too The cast is brilliant !
Paola Ferretti Johnson
Aug 22, 2018
All senses on board for this thought provoking reflection of how a world within a world repeated the patterns of human history...
Kathy A
Aug 22, 2018
Unlike any other theatre experience. Started with chaos reflecting real life in the 'Jungle'. Powerful and heartwarming, especially the community spirit and the resolution of conflicts within the group. Authenticity was its greatest attribute. Audience were very responsive. The event managed to be both hugely entertaining and informative.
Nikita
Aug 22, 2018
An incredibly emotional, thought provoking piece with bits of humour sprinkled throughout. Just an absolutely amazing story with incredible performances.
Helen
Aug 22, 2018
Great concept, innovative. Brilliantly executed subject showing the delicate issues surrounding a massive world problem of refugee migration and camps. Heart breaking.
NB
Aug 22, 2018
Perfection.
Layton
Aug 13, 2018
Not just theatre, but activism. An amazing and absorbing depiction of the lives in Calais.
Chris B
Aug 12, 2018
This was the the most moving piece of theatre I have seen. The human element is hard hitting and very sad.
Sue Horn
Aug 10, 2018
Amazing production..amazing talented actors. The people, their stories, different cultures and religions all thrown together, living cheek by jowel within the misery of 'the jungle' was portrayed brilliantly. I would recommend highly as a thought provoking experience from the theatre.
Juliet
Aug 10, 2018
a heart rending return to volunteering days
Molly
Aug 9, 2018
Brilliant stage craft and atmosphere. I think it captured well a different view of life as a refugee. Very heartfelt and thought provoking but still thoroughly entertaining
Issy
Aug 8, 2018
Incredibly captivating, inspiring and heartbreaking. So many amazing stories pulled together to give insight into what the people in the Jungle had gone through and continued to go through. Cannot recommend highly enough!
Molly Whitehouse
Aug 7, 2018
I’ve honestly never been so moved by a production, and the use of space was absolutely ingenious. Everywhere you looked something was happening and nothing by accident, the audience is truly immersed in the world of The Jungle,which means you can’t look away and you really are face to face with the truth of life in somewhere that was not and is not France. I take my hat of to the entire company who last night recieved a (very tearful) standing ovation which I don’t doubt would’ve continued much longer than it did. All I can say is thank you for opening my eyes
Katie Free
Aug 5, 2018
Groundbreaking. A tear jerking experience, so true to life that I actually felt I was in the jungle at Calais. Its certainly making me re-think about the materialistic way we live with so many privileges. Thank you to all the brilliant and passionate actors in this play.
Cem
Aug 5, 2018
This show is everything and more than the reviews say. You will never experience anything like this. The story and performance stays with you. Go and see!
Kristy
Aug 3, 2018
I don’t know where to begin. It was an honest, human realistic portrayal of Calais which opened my eyes to the truth about what refugees have been through. It made me laugh and cry and pray for a better world. Whatever you do make sure you see this show
KBB
Jul 28, 2018
Amazing thought provoking theatre Fanbulous acting Honest , hard hitting and real
N/A
Jul 27, 2018
The play is incredibly moving. The story is emotionally aggressive. It is the sad truth of reality, made into an incredible setting which brings you into the reality for almost 3 hours.
Rheanna
Jul 24, 2018
Very thought provoking and inspiring. Such an important story to tell and it’s done incredibly well, wonderful acting from all the cast. Brilliant set and costume design. Well done to everyone involved.
Emilia holman
Jul 23, 2018
Excellent cast. Very humanitarian. Very good experience sitting so close
Al joyce
Jul 22, 2018
I really liked the brave use of a London theatre but I thought that thrt there could have been greater audience participation/ integration with the actors
Jo
Jul 22, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this stimulating, brilliant play. The setting and production were excellent.
Sally
Jul 21, 2018
Amidst a rearranged theatre set the majority of the audience sits amongst the action- ‘in a cafe’ close to the raw energy sentiment actions movements and sentiment of these people who have been left ...to live/to die/to be ignored by the rest of local authorities or immigration policy parameters- the cultural differences the bubbling emotions the hope and fear throughout brings this remarkable piece of theatre to the forefront of topical issues surrounding so many countries- the set the speech the characters are truly immersed- they can do nothing but ripple through you with human rights and political questions- a must for all those who want to feel this brutal confusion surrounding us all-do not expect to feel upbeat or chatty as you exit the theatre- a masterpiece indeed. Thank you
Mary
Jul 20, 2018
Well worth.. very energetic, moving in parts. Maybe a bit clunky here and there where it really wanted to labour a point home. But by the end you are opening your purse widely for the doorstep collection for refugees.
Matthew Lockwood
Jul 15, 2018
This play is INCREDIBLE, it deserves your money, it brings the Calais Jungle to life through its brilliant set, amazing cast, and witty humour in a situation that’s just devastating. Go and see this! I urge you!
J.
Jul 8, 2018
I laughed, I cried and I was transported back to 2016 when I taught in Calais. If you haven’t booked your tickets, what are you doing? It’s a must see!
George
Jul 5, 2018
The production was absolutely incredible, the music was fab and the stories powerful, full of sadness and hope. This should be compulsory at schools.
Kate
Jul 4, 2018
Absolutely excellent production - one of the best pieces of theatre I have seen in a while.
Holme family
Jun 30, 2018
The Jungle is a really different West End experience, from the extraordinarily informal stage setting to the interplay of fiction and reality. It is a play about both hope and despair, human resilience and human suffering. We had seats right by the table come stage and felt like we were part of the camp cafe, at once awkward and intrigued. The passion in the acting had us all spellbound throughout and there was hardly a dry eye in the audience by the end. A memorable and exceptional performance.
Gazala
Jun 30, 2018
I thought The Jungle would be good, but it surpassed my expectations in every way. The acting; the writing; the staging: superb! It's on of the most moving things I've seen. In fact, I would go so far as to say, it was the best theatre experience I can remember. I will be recommending it to everyone I know.
Liz
Jun 24, 2018
Great acting, amazing set and incredibly moving. Highly recommend.
NR. H
Jun 22, 2018
I absolutely loved this play. This play based on the real story, (play per se is fictional though) which still needs our 'humanity' attention to those who strive to live a decent life. It is not all about heavy topic like life of refugees and feeling of sadness but humor can be found timely. I thought the stage arrangement and the seating plan were very charming as well, as audiences became a part of play. I recommend to get a seat at stall if you'd like to feel more involved with actors.
Emma
Jun 20, 2018
Excellent production, giving insight into how the Calais refugee camp could have been experienced. Sad but lively. Liked Safi as a strong empathis character.
Echo
Jun 17, 2018
It’s thought-provoking and fun at the time. Powerful and truthful stillness at moments without energy dropping left me really impressed. Besides, the chaos and the interruptions of several scenes surprisingly don’t really make the viewer panic but still leave us space to think while get what’s going on. I love how the play is written as well as how it’s presented. The space is set intimately and audience being directly acknowledged of being present and addressed. As an audience member, I feel being invited and included to “feel”( but not forced to) in their place while being given adequate factual information, which satisfies both my logical brain and sensational brain. It has set an important rule for me to respect people’s “at-root” identity as a person, and, for their each unique culture instead of putting them into a whole refugee nationality. It also triggered a desire in me to learn and sympathize as human and to help. Finally, sitting in the dress circle, watching the playwright beside the stage being the most exciting viewer and following the lines at times is part of the entertainment in my experience. Thank you all for this experience.