The Son
The Son
Direct from a sold-out season at Kiln Theatre the five star, hit play, The Son, is now playing at the Duke of York’s Theatre for a strictly limited season.
Written by the internationally acclaimed Florian Zeller (The Father, The Mother), lauded by The Guardian as ‘the most exciting playwright of our time’, The Son is directed by the award-winning Michael Longhurst.
I’m telling you. I don’t understand what’s happening to me.
Nicolas is going through a difficult phase after his parents’ divorce. He’s listless, skipping school, lying and thinks that moving in with his father and his new family may help. A fresh start. When he doesn’t settle there either, he decides that going back to his mother’s may be the answer. When change feels like the only way to survive, what will he do when the options begin to run out?
Please note: The Son deals with issues surrounding mental health in teenagers and contains scenes that some audience members may find upsetting or disturbing.
★★★★★
‘ ‘If you’re looking for a reminder of why theatre matters, this is it.’
The Daily Telegraph, Dominic Cavendish
★★★★★
‘A compulsive, involving, emotionally stirring evening – theatre’s answer to a page-turner.’
The Observer, Kate Kellaway
★★★★★
‘This final part of Florian Zeller’s trilogy is the most powerful of all.’
The Times, Ann Treneman
- Booking Information
Please note: The Son deals with issues surrounding mental health in teenagers and contains scenes that some audience members may find upsetting or disturbing.
- Cast
The cast of the West End transfer of The Son has yet to be announced and there is no word yet if any of the cast from the original run at The Kiln Theatre will be reprising their roles. More information about casting is expected in due time.
The UK premiere of The Son at the Kiln Theatre featured Amanda Abbington, best known for her roles as Mary Watson on the BBC hit drama Sherlock and Miss Mardle in Mr Selfridge, played Anne. Laurie Kynaston took to the stage as Abbington's troubled son, Nicolas. Kynaston was in the Gielgud Theatre production of The Ferryman and recently worked on the Netflix series Derry Girls.
- Duration
Running time: 1hr 40min (no interval)
- Good To Know
Please note: The Son deals with issues surrounding mental health in teenagers and contains scenes that some audience members may find upsetting or disturbing.
Acclaimed writer Florian Zeller brings The Son to London!
Florian Zeller is a world-renowned writer who has received many awards and nominations including a Moliere Award (plus 4 additional nominations), a Tony Award, and 2 Olivier Awards. The Son makes its West End debut on the heels of a sell-out, five-star run at the Kiln Theatre. The undeniable success of his previous plays The Mother and The Father coupled with the strength of the show’s UK premiere mean that tickets for The Son are expected to be in incredibly high demand.
The Son tickets are expected to sell out quickly so book yours while they are still available and don't miss your chance to see the end of Florian Zeller's family trilogy.
Additional Details & FAQ
- Cancellation Policy
No exchange, no refunds after purchase.
- Suitable For Children
This production is recommended for ages 14+, it contains themes of mental illness and loss.
Reviews
Michael Tappin
Nov 1, 2019
This is the third Zeller play we have seen. Zeller examines , analyses and takes a surgeons scalpel to those family relationships. The tensions within the play were challenging as was the last scene. An excellent production
PPB
Oct 27, 2019
Thought provoking play, performances were were excellent in my opinion. 2 hours straight through without an interval to break the tension was perfect.
Scarlett
Oct 17, 2019
Fabulous performance. Distressing but incredibly done. Absolute mistake to miss.
G Kennedy
Oct 16, 2019
Outstanding performances .Every parent can relate to the fear of mental health that your children may encounter.
Gill
Oct 10, 2019
A play that held your attention. Really well acted. I went to a matinee and they have to do it again in the evening. Must be exhausting.
Tony Potter
Oct 6, 2019
This writer is forging a Global reputation and a place in history that will endure with the greats. The play was superb in every respect and the work was a stark reminder of the reality of teenage mental issues. The performances were all remarkable and the script stimulated the brain, touched the emotions and satisfied the mind. A great theatrical experience.
GS
Oct 6, 2019
I loved the play and the way it dealt with the issues. So often depression is thought of as something you can snap out of instead of an illness caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. We could feel the pain of the parents as they struggled in the unknown territory. The acting was excellent and totally convincing. Our only issue was that sometimes we couldn't hear the dialogue even though we were in row H in the stalls. Amanda Abbington in particular had a very soft voice.
Marie Fraser
Sep 29, 2019
I loved everything about The Son the acting, design and story which is so relevant in our society today. One cannot imagine the fallout children suffer when a family breaks up. When new families are formed and from being the centre of a parent’s universe then to be cast aside, if not emotionally but physically. A masterpiece.
Virginia
Sep 24, 2019
Another masterpiece by Florian Zeller, totally absorbing from beginning to end. Each and every character was absolutely believable and Laurie Kynaston gave a wonderful performance leaving me deeply moved.
June
Sep 24, 2019
An exceptional play, very emotional and highly recommendable
Naoum
Sep 16, 2019
Exceptional indeed but also hard to watch at times because of how powerful, impactful and real everything was. Very emotional in many scenes and couldn't hold some tears. The direction was exceptional with the scenes being clear and at the same time blending in each other creating a very artistic scenery that was actively changing and morphing into something different in each scene. Important and contemporary. Ignites the discussion on mental health issues and speaks openly about suicidal ideation.
Anonymous
Sep 15, 2019
This is a play that will stay with you long after you leave the theatre. Beautifully told by the amazing performances from the cast, this is a really important yet difficult subject. What's really great about this play is the way that there is a good mix of humour and darkness, making it feel so real, and you really sympathise with all of the characters
Lix Brook
Sep 15, 2019
A slow start but soon the atmosphere builds up and you know you are witnessing a very emotional and true to life situation. Holds your interest right until the end
SImon Bass
Sep 12, 2019
I think the 5* reviews may have had the effect of increasing my expectations too much. This was quite a challenge for the actors, not only in where they had to go emotionally but also some lengthy dialogue, that I think in places could have been edited down. I liked the confusing pause at the end, nicely played between father and son, but the gun reference early on and the Son’s speech at the door to his parents really left no doubt about what was going to happen. I like how the mother was played and nice performance from the medical team too.
Meg
Sep 12, 2019
Well acted and directed but:- A devastating reflection on how we, as parents, can make fatal mistakes when trying to do our best. Perhaps there could have been a warning for family members of suicidal children?
Jane
Sep 12, 2019
So enjoyed this superbly acted play. It is by far the best play of the trilogy. Only slightly spoiled by the last 5 minutes which I feel didn't fool anyone. Minor quibble go and see this play
A FOSTER
Sep 10, 2019
Well acted , very well constructed plot. A sadly believable story of a child devastated by a family break up and how he tries to cope with the trauma. A story of modern life. A very simple set, but made sense in the story line
Hogweed
Sep 8, 2019
Really enjoyed this play. Excellent acting with great twist.
CS
Sep 6, 2019
Stunning, raw and relevant, a beautiful must-see play by Florian Zeller
Nancy Cockerell
Sep 5, 2019
Loved it
Alice Howard
Sep 2, 2019
Awareness and invitation for forgiveness and progress for parents and grown up children everywhere. Truly brilliant.
GPK
Sep 1, 2019
Whilst not a fun, laughter-filled production, this was an excellent play, well-produced and very well acted. I would thoroughly recommend this show.
Buhi
Sep 1, 2019
A very moving and powerful portrayal of a modern family. The behaviour of the son and the father at times come across as annoying but you cannot help sympathising with them. Very well acted.
HA
Aug 31, 2019
I think the objective of the play of mental health issues was powerful and presentation was believable
Adel
Aug 28, 2019
The actors took us on a journey of realism but the talent of the son was without doubt a masterpiece. What a phenomenal play and a heart touching storyline that addressed real life problems many people face. It’s a must see!. Have recommended this play to others. Good luck in Broadway as a play of this level belongs there.
Daniel
Aug 28, 2019
Great acting, tough stuff to deal with, but very revealing.
John
Aug 25, 2019
Excellent production, cleverly staged and a very polished cast. Thoroughly enjoyed the evening, even with the play going all the way through with no interval. I believe this helped with the tension of the play. I was not the only person to enjoy the play as the cast were given a standing ovation during the bows. I very difficult subject to be brought to the stage, but succeeds perfectly. There are many moments of humour in what could have been a very dark and heavy play. Congratulations to all involved.
R & E L
Aug 25, 2019
What a cast, we'll done to all. The story was very relatable in today's world and about a family in crisis. Great casting for John Light and Laurie Kingston. An emotional rollacoaster. Good luck with the rest of your run.
Léa Weisz
Aug 25, 2019
The Son has to be one of the limpest, most disappointing theatrical experiences I’ve ever had the misfortune to see. Lacking in every way. Total waste of money and incredibly underwhelming in it’s utter banality and mediocrity.