The Years Tickets

Five actors create a vivid portrait of a woman whose life has been shaped by a fast-changing world. Numerous 5 star reviews plus a West End transfer make The Years an event to remember: shocking, intimate, sometimes violent, and totally gripping from beginning to end.

 ‘Memory never stops. It pairs the dead with the living, real with imaginary beings, dreams with history.’ So many moments make up a life. Annie Ernaux’s semi-autobiographic 2008 book Les Années told the story of a tumultuous life rich in dreams, history and perceptions, a memoir like no other. This is the play of the book, with an English version by Stephanie Bain, and it is an extraordinary story, not for the faint hearted with its graphic scenes of abortion, blood, rape and sexual content. 

The Years - the story

Five actors bring one woman’s political and personal l life to the stage against the backdrop of rapidly changing post-WW2 Europe. As the action unfurls photos are revealed, each a vivid snapshot representing the woman’s life passing steadily by. Thought-provoking and powerful, it is told by exceptional actors and has all the makings of an unforgettable experience.

About The Years 

Eline Arbo’s critically acclaimed adaptation lands in theatreland following sold-out runs at the Almeida Theatre and Internationaal Theater Amsterdam. The original production and adaptation was produced as De jaren by Het Nationale Theater in The Hague during 2022. It premiered in the UK at the Almeida Theatre in 2024. Now it’s in town during 2025 for a limited 12 week run.

The Years cast and creative team 

Reprising their Almeida Theatre roles are Deborah Findlay (Hedda Gabler), Romola Garai (Giant), Gina McKee (Dear England), Anjli Mohindra (Noises Off) and Harmony Rose-Bremner (Hamnet). They play a single character as her life changes, weaving a mesmerising and blisteringly honest story.

The creative team includes Music Supervisor and Sound Designer Thijs van Vuure, Set Designer Juul Dekker, Lighting Designer Varja Klosse, Costume Designer Rebekka Wörmann, Casting Director Amy Ball CDG and Associate Director Yasmin Hafesji. The play is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions.