11 October - 2 December 2023
The Flea
11 October - 2 December 2023
About
★★★★
“Gloriously surreal new drama about a queer Victorian scandal that rocked the nation”
Anya Ryan, Time Out
July 1889, London. Charlie Swinscow is arrested for theft. He had more cash on his person than a poor lad like him is expected to have.
(But he didn’t steal. He just let a
lord have a go between his legs.)
A retelling of the Cleveland Street Scandal that shook England—from the streets of Bermondsey to the halls of Buckingham Palace—featuring a flea, a horse, a detective, a queen, a pimp, a god, and Charlie, the telegraph boy who knelt before the Crown.
From writer James Fritz (★★★★ Ross & Rachel, ★★★★ Parliament Square) and directed by The Yard’s Artistic Director Jay Miller (★★★★★ The Crucible, ★★★★★ This Beautiful Future).
DATES & TIMES
11 October - 2 December
Monday - Saturday, 7.30pm
PREVIEWS*
Wednesday 11 October – Monday 16 October, 7:30pm
MATINEES
Every Saturday starting 21 October, 2.30pm
BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE (BSL) INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE
Friday 20 October, 7.30pm
CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE
Tuesday 31 October, 7:30pm
RUNNING TIME
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 20 minute interval.
*Previews are a set of public performances that take place before the official opening of a production. Tickets for these nights are sold at a reduced rate.
WAYS TO SAVE
BOOK EARLY
Tickets start from £10 and prices increase as the theatre fills — the earlier you book tickets, the cheaper they will be.
YARD LOCAL
Locals get 30% off all tickets with a free Yard Local Card – sign up online.
NO EMPTY SEATS
If you’re aged 27 and under, you can get £5 tickets on the door to all performances that are not sold out with #NoEmptySeats.
CONCESSIONS
If you're aged 27 and under, 65+, a student or are unwaged, tickets are priced cheaper.
GROUP BOOKINGS
If you’d like to make a group booking (10+ tickets) please email marketing@theyardtheatre.co.uk
ACCESS & SUITABILITY
ACCESS
Access tickets are priced as concessions and can be booked online. We offer free tickets for companions, and these must be booked by emailing marketing@theyardtheatre.co.uk
SUITABILITY
Recommended for ages 16+
CONTENT GUIDANCE
This show contains haze, herbal cigarettes, strong and derogatory language, asphyxiation, references to death, dying, sex, mental health and suicide.
More info
“A masterpiece...a glorious, beautiful tale.”
A Youngish Perspective
“A rich brew of steam-punk Victoriana, homosexual sandal, and contemporary reference...James Fritz has written something marvellous.”
Morning Star
"There are few playwrights working in Britain today whose work is as slick and unsettling as James Fritz’s."
Exeunt Magazine
“Feels like a precious rarity given the anaemic worthiness so often found elsewhere on London's new writing stages. Bravo then to The Yard.”
The Telegraph
“James Fritz is the most singular of writers, and Jay Miller is the most singular of directors. So, this is a pairing that should pay dividends.”
Lyn Gardner, StageDoor pick of the week.
"James Fritz is such an exciting playwright. It marks a return to directing for Jay Miller, whose productions often feel both delicate yet daring."
Miriam Gillinson, The Guardian
Cast & Team
Connor Finch
- Arthur Somerset
- Henry Newlove
Norah Lopez Holden
- Queen Victoria
- Emily Swinscow
Scott Karim
- Abberline
- Hammond
- Gladstone
Séamus Mclean Ross
- Charlie Swinscow
- Bertie Prince of Wales
Sonny Poon Tip
- Hanks
- Barwell
- Euston
Photography by Marc Brenner.
