Venus in Fur Tickets

The theatre Royal Haymarket's TRH Productions are delighted to present Natalie Dormer and David Oakes in the long-awaited West End première of David Ives’ brilliant off and on-Broadway hit, Venus in Fur. It's playing for a strictly limited nine weeks from October 2017, and it's already proving hot property.

Venus in Fur is a play with just two characters, but that doesn't mean it's in any way lacking drama, substance or excitement. In fact it's a little piece of genius, a wonderful drama by the talented David Ives set in New York City's sophisticated Manhattan.

What's the story? Thomas Novachek is taking auditions for his latest production, Venus in Furs, based on a novel written in 1870 by by the Austrian writer Leopold von Sacher-Masoch. He's beginning to despair of ever finding a suitable leading lady when the mysterious actress Vanda Jordan suddenly appears out of the blue for an audition, oddly dishevelled.

Vanda is in a very strange emotional state, a ball of energy tinged with aggression. She’s hell bent on winning a leading role in the play, even though she doesn't seem at all suitable for the part. But to Thomas' amazement, she reveals a powerfully deep understanding of the character she wants to portray, and she knows the part by heart, word-perfect. As the audition progresses, she gets more and more intense and Thomas ultimately becomes totally obsessed with her. Throughout one dramatic evening their meeting becomes ever-more emotionally charged, an incredibly clever and entertaining dance of seduction that thrills audiences every time.

Venus in Fur has also been turned into a French movie thanks to Roman Polanski. The film competed for the Palme d'Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival and won five nominations at the 39th César Awards in 2014, winning one for Best Director. This fresh stage version promises to be exceptional.

The play is beautifully directed by Patrick Marber and designed by Rob Howell, with lighting by Hugh Vanstone. Ilene Starger is the Casting Director and Executive Producer of this intoxicating dark comedy of desire and fantasy. This is a play for adults, recommended for people aged over 14. And it's set to be a monster hit, so grab tickets while you can.