Note: No longer in repertoire!

Voted the best play of the 21st century, Jerusalem is a riotous comedy-drama bursting with verbal fireworks and colourful characters. In this extraordinary theatrical phenomenon, the modern world collides with a mythical past as a band of society’s outcasts, led by Johnny Byron, fight to preserve their dignity.

Johnny “Rooster” Byron (Santeri Kinnunen) is a well-travelled former daredevil rider who has seen it all. He lives in a caravan in the woods outside town, on land he claims to own. The local authorities disagree and have decided to clear the woods to make way for a new housing development.

As the traditional village festivities begin on St George’s Day, both sides gather their forces for a final showdown. Johnny is a rebel, a reveller and a self-mythologising fool king who vows not to surrender without a fight. He refuses to give up his freedom or betray the friends who come to his parties to escape the harsh realities of life, if only for a moment.

Hailed as a modern British classic, Jerusalem boldly blends comedy and drama. Through its dazzling command of language, richly drawn characters and incisive yet deeply conflicted social commentary, the play paints a startling portrait of our times.

Jerusalem sparked widespread social debate and took both London’s West End and New York’s Broadway by storm!

Performance rights are licensed by NDC.

View the programme