Player Kings

Ian McKellen - 'one of the world's greatest actors' (Times) - plays Falstaff in a new version of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, adapted by the award-winning writer and director Robert Icke.A divided country, leadership crumbling, corruption in the air. Welcome to England.

Hal wasn't born to be king. Only now, it seems, he will be. His father longs for him to leave behind his friends in the taverns of Eastcheap, most notably the infamous John Falstaff. War is on the horizon. But will Hal ever come good?

Bringing together Shakespeare's two great history plays (Henry IV, parts 1 and 2), Player Kings will reign over London’s West End for twelve weeks only – playing at the Noël Coward Theatre from April 2024.

Important Information

Ian Mckellen will not be performing in the last 3 performances (20th-22nd June) due to his recent fall. The role of Sir John Falstaff will be played by David Semark. This production contains adult themes, gunshots, strobe, haze and smoking of real cigarettes.

Age Restrictions

Ages 14+. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by and sat next to an adult ticketholder (18+). Children under the age of 3 will not be admitted.

Performance Times

Now taking bookings for performances up until Sat 22nd June 2024.

Show times for each day are below.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

2.30pm

Sun

Images & Videos

Noel Coward Theatre Details

Bus routes: (Charing Cross) 24, 29, 176; (Strand) 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139

Night buses: (Charing Cross) 24, 176, N5, N20, N29, N41, N279; (Strand) 6, 23, 139, N9, N15, N11, N13, N21, N26, N44, N47, N87, N89, N91, N155, N343, N551

Nearest rail: Charing Cross

Tube lines: Piccadilly, Northern

Nearest tube: Leicester Square

Directions from Leicester Square :

(2mins) Take Cranbourn Street away from Leicester Square until St Martin’s Lane, where you head right until you reach the theatre.

Car park: St Martin's Lane Hotel (1min)

In congestion zone?: Yes

Facilities at Noel Coward Theatre

Air conditioned

Bar

Disabled toilets

Infrared hearing loop

Toilets

Wheelchair accessible

Noel Coward Theatre Location

85-88 St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4AU

Get directions

Please note: The location shown on the map is an approximate location of the theatre. In the majority of cases the theatre will be marked on the map so please make sure you locate the exact location yourself. If the theatre is not shown on the map please make sure you locate the correct road name and take account of the directions.