For the first time, the Royal Court reveals the extraordinary story of the world's most renowned new writing theatre in a new behind-the-scenes book. Spanning five decades, it includes exclusive interviews and personal anecdotes from the people who shaped the theatre and its plays, and made it what it is today.

To celebrate the launch of the first book to tell the story of 50 years of the English Stage Company at the Royal Court, an illustrious panel of playwrights, actors and directors were invited to share some of their favourite memories of working at the theatre.

The panel is; Nicholas Wright (Joint Artistic Director of the Royal Court, 1975-77), Vikki Heywood (Executive Director of the Royal Court, 1996-2001), playwrights Roy Williams and Stephen Jeffreys, and actor Kenneth Cranham.

Until 15 December

RHINOCEROS

When a rhinoceros charges across the town square one Sunday afternoon, Berenger thinks nothing of it. Soon, however, rhinoceroses are popping up everywhere and Berenger’s whole world is under threat. What will it take for him to stand up to the increasing menace of rhinocerisation?

Ionesco’s iconic satire on apathy and conformity is given its first major UK revival since its Royal Court premiere in 1960, which was directed by Orson Welles, starring Laurence Olivier.

1 November-15 December

THE ARSONISTS

Fires are becoming something of a problem. But Biedermann has it all under control. A respected member of the community with a loving wife and a flourishing business, surely nothing can get to him. The great philanthrope, he is happy to meet his civic duty and give shelter to two new houseguests, and when they start filling the attic with petrol drums, he’ll help them wire the fuse. 

Frisch’s parable about accommodating the very thing that will destroy you is given its first major UK revival since its Royal Court premiere in 1961, which was directed by Lindsay Anderson with Alfred Marks and John Thaw in the cast.

An interview with cast members Jasper Britton and Zawe Ashton, Director Ramin Gray, and Production Manager Paul Handley by Steve Pidcock.