King Lear

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A family feud tears apart a kingdom in Shakespeare’s epic tragedy King Lear, in the Globe Theatre this Summer.

When the aged King relinquishes his empire, he divides it amongst his three daughters, promising the largest share to the one who professes to love him the most. But when the balance of power transfers to the next generation, Lear is cast out by those he trusts, embarking on a maddening quest for self-knowledge and reconciliation.

A nightmarish family drama of global proportions, King Lear forces us to face our own humanity and the profound need for compassion.

Twenty-five years after their original, ground-breaking production, internationally lauded Director, Helena Kaut-Howson, co-founder of theatre company Complicité, Marcello Magni, and ‘one of the greatest stage actors alive’ (Vanity Fair), Kathryn Hunter reunite to bring King Lear to a new generation. Kathryn reclaims the title role, with Artistic Director Michelle Terry as Cordelia and Fool.

‘The oldest hath borne most: we that are young
Shall never see so much, nor live so long’

– Act V, scene 3

Content guidance: This production contains violence, stage blood and weapons, smoke, loud noises and flame effects, depictions of murder and themes of suicide. If you would like further details on the play’s content, please contact the ticketing team on 020 7401 9919.

DETAILS

TICKETS
£62 – £25 Seated
£5 Standing

This event is on-site in the Globe Theatre

Running time approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes, including an interval.

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Terms and conditions
A £2.50 transaction fee per order applies online and over the telephone.

Part of Summer 2022

Lead photography by Kate Bones

Our director, Helena Kaut-Howson, was in a car accident two weeks before the opening of King Lear. Her recovery left her unable to rejoin the production.

The creative team, cast, and crew have worked together to bring King Lear to the Globe this summer.

Everyone at the Globe is deeply thankful to Helena for her vision and passion, and wish her a sound recovery.

Plan your visit

Find out how to get here, where to stay and read our FAQs.

Access

Find out about access provisions for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people.

★★★★

‘The casting is perfect, the location breath-taking’

THE REVIEWS HUB

★★★★

‘Extraordinary… Hunter’s Lear is seared in my mind’

THE GUARDIAN

★★★★

‘This is a Lear that eviscerates emotionally’

THE ARTS DESK

‘Electric… Hunter and Terry deliver star performances’

CULTURE WHISPER

‘As a study in aging and decay, it’s wonderful’

THE TIMES

 

 

★★★★

‘Hunter’s Lear is heart-wrenching’

THE UPCOMING

★★★★

‘Definitely one to watch this summer’

LONDONTHEATRE1

★★★★

‘Hunter is spectacular’

BROADWAY WORLD

 

 

VIDEOS

'Everybody is Lear' | Rehearsal Trailer 2022

King Lear | Teaser Trailer 2022

An actor with a crown of twigs looks towards the camera

PHOTOS

CAST & CREATIVES

Introducing the King Lear company & creatives

MORE EVENTS IN SUMMER 2022

ACCESS

We provide Access Resources for Audio Described and Relaxed performances, these will be added in time for the first of each of those access performances and will be available for all performances after that date