The Real Thing

Simon Phillips returns to direct an irresistible cast in this hugely entertaining and deeply affecting modern classic about the search for real love. 

Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House

The Play

★★★★ “The Real Thing is the real deal" Limelight 

 

THE REAL THING

By Tom Stoppard
Directed by Simon Phillips

 

Fall in love with love itself

 

The Real Thing is playwright Tom Stoppard at his dazzling best. One of his most heartfelt plays, it’s a portrait of a writer of intellectual prowess struggling to articulate that most elusive of emotions – love.

 

Henry is married to Charlotte, while Annie is married to Max. But it’s Henry and Annie who have fallen passionately in love. Could this, at last, be the real thing? They’ll soon find out.

 

Through the demise of two marriages, the bloom of new relationships and the pain of infidelity, Stoppard’s characters debate and dissect what love is, what it gives and what it takes. Expertly constructed, erudite and funny, The Real Thing is a modern classic.

 

Simon Phillips (Muriel’s Wedding the Musical) returns to direct an irresistible cast including Geraldine Hakewill (Chimerica) and Johnny Carr in this hugely entertaining and deeply affecting play.

 

Production Patron The Petre Foundation

 

Approx. duration 2hrs 20 mins (including interval). Subject to change. More info
Content warning Strong language, adult themes, sexual references, herbal cigarettes. Subject to change. More info

 

TICKETS

 

Mon – Thu performances
Adult $103
Seniors cardholder $93
Concession $82
Under 30 $75

 

Fri & Sat performances
All tickets $108

 

Preview performances
All tickets $75

 

Transaction fees may apply
$7.50 online; $8 telephone; $0 Box Office counter

 

Authorised ticket sellers
The only authorised ticket sellers for this event are Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Opera House. Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered valid and reliable. More info.

 

 

DATES

 

Previews 9 - 12 Sep 2019
Season 14 Sep - 26 Oct 2019

 

Performance start times
Preview performances 8pm
In-season evening performances Mon & Tue 6.30pm; Wed – Sat 8pm
Matinee performances Wed 1pm; Sat 2pm

 

Approx. duration 2hrs 20 mins (including interval). Subject to change. More info

 

TICKET INFORMATION

 

Mon – Thu performances
Adult $103
Seniors cardholder $93
Concession $82
Under 30 $75

 

Fri & Sat performances
All tickets $108

 

Preview performances
All tickets $75

 

Prices correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.

 

Transaction fees may apply
$7.50 online; $8 telephone; $0 Box Office counter

 

Authorised ticket sellers
The only authorised ticket sellers for this event are Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Opera House. Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered valid and reliable. More info

 

General terms and conditions for tickets and attendance at Sydney Opera House events
For further information on general terms and detail on resale restrictions please visit the Sydney Opera House website.

 

Concession, seniors and under 30 tickets
Suitable and valid identification must be provided for collection of tickets and at the venue, such as your concession or proof of age card. Alternatively, you may email a copy of your identification to [email protected]. Please quote your booking reference number.

 

Authorised ticket sellers
The only authorised ticket sellers for this event are Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Opera House. Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered valid and reliable. More info.

 

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES

 

Captioned performance
Wed 16 Oct 1pm
Fri 25 Oct 8pm

 

Auslan interpreted performance
Thu 17 Oct 8pm

 

Audio described performance
Sat 26 Oct 2pm

 

For specific access requirements, please call Box Office on (02) 9250 1777 to book your seats.

 

CREATIVE TEAM

 

Simon-Phillips

Simon Phillips

Director

 

Charles-Davis

Charles Davis

Designer

 

Nick-Schlieper-105x115

Nick Schlieper

Lighting Designer

 

James-Brown-105x115

James Brown

Composer and Sound Designer

 

Claudia-Osborne-105x115

Claudia Osborne

Assistant Director

 

CAST

 

Johnny-Carr-105x115

Johnny Carr

Henry

 

Charlie-Garber-105x115

Charlie Garber

Max

 

Rachel-Gordon-105x115

Rachel Gordon

Charlotte

 

Geraldine-Hakewill-105x115

Geraldine Hakewill

Annie

 

Shiv-Palekar-105x115

Shiv Palekar

Billy

 

Julia-Robertson-105x115

Julia Robertson

Debbie

 

Dorje-Swallow-2-105x115

Dorje Swallow

Brodie

 

 

Marketing image Rene Vaile

 

This listing is updated as cast and creatives are confirmed in the lead-up to the production, and if there are any changes to the team. Ensure you have the most up-to-date information about each play by opting in to our enewsletter.

 

 

INSIGHT EVENTS

 

We offer a range of free and ticketed events designed to give you further insight into our plays. Find out more about our Insight Events.  

 

Pier Group Lunch
Mon 12 Aug 12pm
The Calyx in the Royal Botanic Garden 
$75pp including a two-course lunch and glass of wine
Book tickets

 

Pre-season Briefing
Mon 2 Sep 6.45pm
Richard Wherrett Studio
FREE, but bookings are essential as capacity is limited.
Book tickets

 

Night with the Actors
Mon 23 Sep post-show
Mon 14 Oct post-show

 

★★★★ “The Real Thing is the real deal, and a richly rewarding night of theatre” Limelight Magazine

 

“It is a quality piece of playwriting craft: erudite, elegant and structurally playful” Audrey Journal

 

"There’s a rigour and flair in the writing that’s genuinely intoxicating and a pleasure to listen to" Time Out

 

★★★★  “It’s an immensely fun and moving night at the theatre” ArtsHub

 

“Director Simon Phillips brings remarkable clarity” Suzy Goes See

 

“The show is superbly directed by Simon Phillips” Sydney Arts Guide

 

 

Praise for Tom Stoppard's The Real Thing:

 

“Poignant postmodern comedy… the feats of form still enchant and the chief concerns – the getting and keeping and knowing of the beloved – remain as relevant and bittersweet as ever.” The Guardian, UK

 

“The Real Thing is a play that glows with love’s warmth and burns with love’s pain.” The Telegraph, UK

 

“Mr. Stoppard's most moving play, but also the most bracing play that anyone has written about love and marriage in years.” The Telegraph, UK

 

“An examination of the nature of honesty written 35 years ago but just as potent today, also explores the pain and pleasure of being in love.” The Stage, UK

 

“It's intellectual pyrotechnics are matched by its heart.” Hollywood Reporter

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