Kiln Theatre in London is renowned for its diverse and thought-provoking productions, and the upcoming lineup is nothing short of spectacular. From the gritty streets of Queens to the foggy alleys of 1950s London, audiences are set to embark on a journey through compelling stories and powerful performances. 'The Purists' challenges societal norms through epic rap battles, while 'The Lonely Londoners' sheds light on the Windrush generation's struggles and dreams. Meanwhile, 'Zoe Lyons: Werewolf' brings laughter amidst life's chaos, and 'Shanghai Dolls' intertwines personal tales with a tumultuous historical backdrop. These narratives promise to captivate and inspire.

Diverse Narratives and Unforgettable Performances at Kiln Theatre

When two penniless actresses meet in Shanghai at auditions for Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, they quickly become inseparable. But as political upheaval rips through China, their tumultuous friendship will alter not only the course of their lives, but the course of history. One will become China’s first female director. The other, the architect of the Cultural Revolution

Shanghai Dolls

Kiln Theatre

If life is a journey, Zoe’s has had more than its share of potholes and diversions: from diving with sharks, to sitting in a shed in Vietnam with a former health secretary (and discovering that MPs aren’t the only parasites she has to worry about). Navigating the road to happiness can be exhausting and baffling; Zoe’s begun to think that even Wim Hof would prefer to be tucked up with a nice hot water bottle every now and then.

Zoe Lyons: Werewolf

1950s London. Newly arrived from Trinidad, Henry ‘Sir Galahad’ Oliver is impatient to start his new life in London. Carrying just pyjamas and a toothbrush, he bursts through Moses Aloetta’s door only to find Moses and his friends already soured on city life. Will the London fog dampen Galahad’s dreams? Or will these Lonely Londoners make a home in a city that sees them as a threat?

Following its sold out run at Jermyn Street Theatre, Roy Williams’ adaptation of Sam Selvon’s iconic novel, The Lonely Londoners, comes to Kiln. Ebenezer Bamgboye’s critically acclaimed production opens a window into the hopes, dreams and realities of generation Windrush.

The Lonely Londoners

On their stoop in Queens, New York, Lamont, a legendary emcee and Mr Bugz, a hall-of-fame DJ, have been winding up Gerry, a musical lover, for as long as they can remember.  

But when two young women, Nancy and Val, put their rap battling skills to the test, they are forced to confront their convictions on race, sexuality and music. Struggling with secrets and their fears for the future, they realise they have more in common than they thought.  

The Purists

Rob is putting science and scepticism to the test in his new play. For research, he speaks to Mary, a mother trying to make the best decisions for her family, Robert, an angry son who distrusts institutions, and Edward Jenner, the father of modern vaccinations. The more he listens, the more he struggles to keep his own subjectivity off the table, which begs the question – how do you know who to trust? 

Pins and Needles

Since starting their podcast in 2018, the film critics Michael, an avid Ghibli fanatic, and Jake, a Ghibli newbie, have analysed and unravelled all the secrets behind the films, visited Japan on the ultimate Ghibli pilgrimage, and interviewed countless artists, animators, and filmmakers involved in Ghibli’s creations. Now, in this special event, join the podcast hosts LIVE as they share this accumulated knowledge in a lively discussion on everything they’ve learned about the universe within and beyond the films.

Kiln Theatre

Apr 3 - May 10, 2025

Shanghai Dolls

Mar 6, 2025

Zoe Lyons: Werewolf

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Kiln Theatre