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The Buddha of Suburbia

Royal Shakespeare Company/Wise Children

— ,Theatre
A person does a headstand in their pants against an orange and brown patterned wall.

This ‘glorious and intoxicating five-star’ (Times) production based on Hanif Kureishi’s award-winning novel transfers for a limited 4-week season only.

South London in the late seventies. High unemployment, high inflation, food shortages and strikes. But despite the winter of discontent, 17-year-old Karim’s life is about to explode into glorious technicolour as he navigates a path to enlightenment. Or at the very least, Beckenham.

Director Emma Rice brings her unique and joyful style to Hanif Kureishi’s award-winning 1990 novel, exploring family, friends, sex, theatre and, ultimately, belonging, in a critically acclaimed production that will you leave you ‘on a rare high’ (Telegraph).

Tagged with: Theatre & dance Theatre & Dance Autumn/Winter 2024 RSC 2024-25 Season More...

Running time: approx 2 hrs 50 mins (including 20 minute interval)

Please note that evening performances start at 7.15pm. Latecomers may not be admitted.

Age guidance 13+
This production contains scenes of an adult nature, including depictions of nudity and sexual acts, and swearing throughout. For more information about themes and contents of this play, please see our content advisory page.

New Work at the RSC is generously supported by Hawthornden Foundation and The Drue and H.J. Heinz II Charitable Trust

Creative team

Hanif Kureishi Writer/Co-Adaptor
Emma Rice Director/Co-Adaptor
Rachana Jadhav Set Designer
Vicki Mortimer Costume Designer
Simon Baker Sound and Video Designer
Jai Morjaria Lighting Designer
Niraj Chag Composer
Etta Murfitt Choreographer & Intimacy Coordinator
Fight Director Kev McCurdy
Matthew Dewsbury CDG Casting Director

Ticket prices

Members and Members Plus can enjoy 10% off tickets when booking for both The Buddha of Suburbia and A Midsummer Night's Dream in the same transaction. Tickets much be purchased on or before Tue 9 Jul. 

Subject to availability. Become a member.

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.

Family Rate
Enjoy up to two half price tickets with every full paying adult. Valid on all performances except Saturday evenings. Subject to availability.

Groups of 10+
£49.50 for Monday–Thursday performances (excluding the top two price bands). Subject to availability. 

UK Schools, Colleges and Universities
£25 tickets on Monday–Thursday performances. Subject to availability.

RSC £10 tickets for 14-25 year olds supported by TikTok
A limited number of £10 tickets are available per performance for anyone aged between 14-25 years old. Register at rsc.org.uk/tiktoktickets to access tickets. Available from Tuesday 9 July.

*Excludes £4 booking fee

These accessibility provisions are available for this event. Please visit our help centre for extra guidance when booking these tickets.

Audio described
BSL
Captioned
Relaxed

Reviews

‘Glorious and intoxicating‘
Times
‘An engrossing love-letter to Hanif Kureishi that leaves you on a rare high‘
Telegraph
‘A joyous staging. Upbeat, funny, ridiculous and tender‘
Financial TImes
‘A delightful production that emanates a sense of warmth and love‘
Morning Star

Accessibility

Audio described performance
Sat 16 Nov, 1.30pm

Touch Tour
Sat 16 Nov, 11.30am-12pm

BSL-integrated performance
Wed 6 Nov, 7.15pm

Captioned performance
Sat 2 Nov, 1.30pm

Relaxed performance
Sat 9 Nov, 1.30pm 

Find out more about Accessible Events at the Barbican.

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