As the year unfolds, Theatre Royal Stratford East is set to captivate audiences with an eclectic mix of performances ranging from classic adaptations to modern satires. Delve into the magical world of Pinocchio, support a good cause with Canned Laughter, or explore the depths of political theatre with insightful productions. With cultural spectacles like 'The Harder They Come' and timeless tales like 'Romeo & Juliet' on the horizon, Stratford East promises an unforgettable theatrical journey for everyone.

Theatre Royal Stratford East: A Year of Captivating Performances

Theatre Royal Stratford East is set to captivate audiences with a diverse lineup of performances that span the realms of political intrigue, satirical comedy, and timeless love stories. With productions like 'Animal Farm,' 'The Women of Llanrumney,' and 'Romeo & Juliet,' this season promises to challenge perceptions, evoke emotions, and celebrate cultural narratives. Join us as we explore these riveting stories and celebrate the creative brilliance behind each performance.

Unveiling the Dramatic Spectrum at Theatre Royal Stratford East

Theatre Royal Stratford East is crafting a year of compelling narratives that promise to leave audiences questioning, laughing, and deeply moved. From the political allegory of 'Animal Farm' to the romantic comedy 'Lovestuck', the theatre offers an array of performances that tackle societal issues with creativity and wit. Each production, from historical dramas to modern satires, is a testament to the theatre's commitment to storytelling that illuminates the human experience.

Theatre Royal Stratford East: A Season of Provocative Storytelling

Theatre Royal Stratford East is set to captivate audiences with a dynamic array of productions in 2025. From riveting dramas to heartwarming musicals, each performance promises to deliver unique narratives and powerful performances. Whether it's the intense drama of 'The Women of Llanrumney,' the satirical journey of 'Tambo & Bones,' or the romantic antics of 'Lovestuck,' there's something for everyone. Dive into this diverse lineup that also includes a contemporary twist on 'Romeo & Juliet' and the reggae-infused tale of 'The Harder They Come.'

A Theatrical Journey: Exploring Diverse Narratives at Theatre Royal Stratford East

Theatre Royal Stratford East is kicking off an exciting 2025 season with a rich tapestry of stories. From the gripping historical drama 'The Women of Llanrumney' to the satirical 'Tambo & Bones', and the comedic musical 'Lovestuck', there's something for everyone. This diverse lineup also includes a contemporary twist on Shakespeare's classic, 'Romeo & Juliet', and the reggae-inspired journey of 'The Harder They Come'. Join us this year for an unforgettable theatrical experience in the heart of London.

A Season of Storytelling: Theatre Royal Stratford East's 2025 Lineup

Based on the cult classic film that brought reggae to the world, THE HARDER THEY COME tells the story of Ivan, an aspiring singer who arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, determined to live out his dreams on his own terms and make it as a music superstar.  

The Harder They Come

Stratford East

A thrilling tale of young love, family and loyalty. Weaving together Shakespeare's timeless words with music and dance, set against the east London skyline, this contemporary twist on the classic tale promises to be an unforgettable summer's night out.    

Romeo & Juliet

When we first meet thirty-somethings Lucy and Peter, we find her stuck upside-down in his bathroom window at the end of their first date. How on earth did they get themselves into this awkward situation? And what happens next? All will be revealed in this riotous romantic comedy with a catchy score as big as its heart. Tackling themes of online dating, toxic social media and crippling self doubt, LOVESTUCK charts the hilarious, humiliating and all too relatable quest for our happy ever after...

Lovestuck

Join us as one of the most talked-about cultural events of 2023 returns to Stratford East. In this exhilarating, funny and provocative satire, Tambo and Bones journey from comedy double-act, to hip-hop superstars, to activists in a future America, contending with the alarming repercussions of a nation torn apart by race. 

Tambo & Bones

Annie and Cerys are enslaved by the Morgan family from Wales. Their future hangs in the balance when Elizabeth Morgan is faced with losing her plantation. Fearing what could lie ahead, Annie (Suzanne Packer, Casualty, BiBi Crew) does everything she can to secure her position in the Great House. But sooner or later, with a storm of rebellion building, Annie will have to face up to the horror and trauma, including her own.    

The Women of Llanrumney

Telling stories that are current, political and representative of our community is an integral part of our work at Stratford East. From Joan Littlewood’s legendary Theatre Workshop Company to Nadia Fall’s tenure as Artistic Director, political theatre is woven into the fabric of the building. We believe that theatre is inherently political (often without audiences realising!), and we are proud to have staged groundbreaking work from writers including Brendan Behan, Shelagh Delaney, Tunde Ikoli, Patrick Prior and Barrie Keefe. Join us for an insightful look into Stratford East's history exploring how politics and theatre connect and help us understand the world around us.  

Stratford East: Politics and Theatre

When a group of exploited animals rebel against their human farmer-tyrant and take control of the land that they live on, they hope to create a world where they can be equal, happier and free. As power shifts and a new leader emerges, they soon face the age-old question: is the grass truly greener on the other side?  

Animal Farm

Following two massively popular shows across the last year, Kiell Smith-Bynoe returns to Stratford East with KOOL STORY BRO, an evening of improv featuring some very special guest performers and scenes inspired by monologues from you, the audience.

Kiell Smith-Bynoe: Kool Story Bro

In support of food banks part of the Trussell Trust’s network in London, a stellar line-up of comedians will help raise much needed funds with a festive spectacular. 

All profits from the show will be donated to the Trussell Trust. Audience members are also encouraged to bring physical food donations to the show, which will head directly to the local food bank in Hackney.

Canned Laughter

Join wooden puppet Pinocchio, and his poor toy maker father Geppetto in Stratford this Christmas!  

Will Blue Rinse Fairy and Krik Krak the cricket be able to keep Pinocchio off the crooked path, as he battles the trials and tribulations of becoming a “real boy”? 

Pinocchio

Suzi will be joined by the unmissable Rhys James (Star of Roast Battle, Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central, A League of Their Own and Live At The Apollo and as a regular panellist on Mock The Week) as well as Michael Odewale (As seen on Live at The Apollo, Friday Night Live and Live from The Moth Club).  Acclaimed stand-up Ania Magliano (as seen & heard on The Stand Up Sketch Show and the Off Menu podcast) hosts.

Live at Stratford East

Stratford East has a long and proud history of championing Black and Asian artists, staging important - and often groundbreaking - stories that speak to its local community. We’ve been fortunate enough to work with many global majority artists at the start of their careers as well as influential organisations such as the Black Theatre Co-operative/Nitro, Talawa, Tamasha and Rifco Arts. 

Championing Black and Asian Voices at Stratford East: A History

After making his history-altering “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr retires to Room 306 of the Lorraine Motel. As he reflects on another day spent with Memphis’ public servants in their fight for equality and fair pay, room service arrives in the form of Camae–a sweet motel maid with some big, unexpected news.

The Mountaintop

Now in their 22nd year, Cassa Pancho's Ballet Black return to Stratford East with a new double bill, Ballet Black: HEROES. 

Award-winning choreographer, Mthuthuzeli November contemplates the purpose of life in The Waiting Game, his exciting and energetic work about the meaning of life, originally created in 2020, and infused with a dynamic soundtrack featuring the voices of the Ballet Black artists. 

Ballet Black: Heroes

Olivier Award-winner Sally Cookson (A Monster Calls) directs the critically acclaimed Bristol Old Vic production of WONDER BOY by Ross Willis, a heart-warming and inspiring story about the power of communication. 

Wonder Boy

Interested in the theatre and how it all began? How long it took to build? What remains of the original features? Want to experience what it feels like to stand on stage or ever wondered where the actors hang out between scenes?

Tour of Stratford East

Stratford Shopping Centre

Essex, 1977. Beverly is hosting, the alcohol is flowing, Demis Roussos is on the record player and the cheese and pineapple cocktail sticks are ready to go. Queen of the castle in her suburban semi, Beverly and husband Laurence welcome new neighbours Angela and Tony round for drinks. Sue from next door is invited too but the real party is happening back at her place, as Sue’s teenage daughter Abigail can’t seem to keep the racket down. Awkward small talk quickly descends into inappropriate flirtation and marital disputes: a soiree from hell but it’d be rude to leave. 

Theatre Royal Stratford East

Sep 13 - Oct 25, 2025

The Harder They Come

7 - 9 Aug, 2025

Romeo & Juliet

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Theatre Royal Stratford East