Daniel Evans, Co-Artistic Director of RSC, will return to the West End to direct the production for its strictly limited 11-week season this summer.
Born With Teeth artwork. Photo by Felicity McCabe
Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel will star in Born With Teeth at the Wyndham's Theatre.
This thrilling new play by Liz Duffy Adams imagines the relationship between the two literary icons, William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, who are at odds with their time. Set in 1591, the rivals are forced together in the backroom of a pub in a creative union. The action unfolds over three secret meetings, where they duel and flirt like their lives depend on it.
Ncuti Gatwa said: “I’m so excited to be joining Born With Teeth alongside the amazing Edward Bluemel. Liz Duffy Adams has written an exceptional play that is smart, dark, sexy, sharp and funny! There’s a lot to get one’s teeth into. This is like no version of Shakespeare and Marlowe that I’ve ever seen before, and I can’t wait for audiences to join us for the ride”.
Edward Bluemel said: “I feel incredibly proud and excited to be working with Ncuti Gatwa and Daniel Evans on the European premiere of Born With Teeth. To be stepping into the shoes of a young William Shakespeare is a huge thrill for any actor and I can’t wait to get started. When I read Liz Duffy Adams’ script, I was instantly drawn into the high-stakes world of these two rival playwrights and the incredible, creative chemistry they share. There’s a real freshness and vitality to Liz’s writing that speaks directly to our world, and I can’t wait for West End audiences to experience it for the first time”.
Design is by the Olivier award-winning Joanna Scotcher and Lighting Design by Tony and Olivier award-winner Neil Austin. The Casting Director is Charlotte Sutton with further creative team to be announced.
Born With Teeth will play at the Wyndham's Theatre from 13 August to 1 November 2025.
