Discover this visionary restaging of one of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies into a spellbinding traditional opera from some of South Korea's leading creatives, performers and musicians.
This major new production, critically acclaimed at its 2022 premiere, retells a familiar story in the form of Changgeuk. This culturally significant and artistically rich theatrical form in Korea, blends music, dance, and drama to create immersive storytelling experiences rooted in Korean tradition and heritage.
Leading creatives include director and choreographer Jung Young-doo, Pai Sam-shik, one of the greatest Korean playwrights, Pansori scores composed by Han Seung-seok, with music written by Jung Jae-il (Parasite, Squid Game). Lee Tae-Sup’s set design brings a quiet but vibrant world of water on stage, drawing us to the deep, bottomless abyss of the human mind.
The National Changgeuk Company of Korea, part of the National Theatre of Korea, has presented traditional Korean opera for decades. Lear will open the 2024 K-Music Festival.
Performed in Korean with English surtitles.
Running time: 3 hours and 10 minutes (including a 20 minute interval)
Age guidance: 12+
This production includes swearing, some violence and fake blood.
Presented by the Barbican
The National Changgeuk Company of Korea’s presentation of Lear is supported by the Korean Cultural Centre UK as part of the K-Music Festival 2024.
Creative team
Ticket prices
Members and Members Plus enjoy 20% off ticket prices for this show.
No booking fee. Subject to availability.
Corporate Members enjoy discounted ticket prices for this show.
2 tickets max per booking. Subject to availability.
£15
Subject to availability.
Wheelchair spaces, free companion seats may now be booked online.
Please select the relevant preferences on the access registration page during your booking so we can provide you with the correct information and discounts.
Booking a wheelchair space:
Select a seat displaying the wheelchair user icon and then select wheelchair user ticket type. The ticket will be priced at the lowest price for that event. If you need an essential companion, please select the E icon next to the wheelchair space you have selected.
Booking essential companion tickets:
Please select at least two tickets and one of them will be automatically discounted to zero in the basket.
Booking British Sign Language or Captioned Seats:
Select seats in the area appropriate to your needs.
Groups
Groups can book at a 20% discount, subject to availability. Contact [email protected] to make a group booking.
Schools
£12*, subject to availability.
Under 16’s
Save 50%, subject to availability.
*If you are a teacher or group leader planning a trip, you can receive up to £300 towards the cost of a visit to a wide variety of inspiring venues managed by the City of London Corporation. Find out more.
Booking fees
£4 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
Reviews
Theatre
Location
The Barbican Theatre is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Mobility
Spaces for wheelchair users in the rear of the Stalls (four) and row B of the upper circle (four), both with companion seats. Row B is reached via a platform lift, and staff will be happy to help you. Seats in the back row of the Stalls are suitable for people with limited mobility.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the theatre – please tell us when booking, to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the cloakroom staff during the performance.
Sign language
For our occasional BSL-signed performances. Stalls seats close to the signer are reserved for people with hearing impairments. Please book early and ask for these seats.
Captioned performances
These display the full text of the play on a screen as the actors speak the words. Seats with the best view of the screen are reserved for people with hearing impairments, so please book early and ask for these seats.
Audio-described performances and amplified sound
Headsets are available from the sales kiosk outside the Stalls Right entrance to the theatre
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
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