King John

at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
Bankside Available from Sat 20 Feb to Sun 11 Apr

Book King John tickets and experience Shakespeare's rarely performed history play by candlelight

Richard the Lionheart is dead. Now it's John's turn. Experience one of Shakespeare's most overlooked masterpieces as King John arrives at the intimate Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Directed by Olivier Award nominee Jaz Woodcock-Stewart, this gripping production explores power, succession, loyalty and the lengths people will go to in order to secure their place in history.

  • Experience Shakespeare's rarely staged history play in the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
  • Directed by Olivier Award nominee Jaz Woodcock-Stewart
  • A powerful story of ambition, power struggles and political intrigue
  • See one of Shakespeare's hidden gems brought vividly to life
  • Performed in the unique indoor theatre at Shakespeare's Globe
  • Book now for this strictly limited London run

King John at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse: A gripping story of power and succession

  • Dates: 20th February - 11th April 2027
  • Age Guidance: All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult and cannot be seated separately
  • Venue: Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Shakespeare's Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
  • Run Time: TBC

Witness a king's fight to escape the shadow of a legend

Following the death of England's beloved King Richard the Lionheart, the crown passes to his younger brother John. Determined to forge his own legacy, John must navigate rival claims to the throne, political enemies and growing unrest as his reign descends into conflict and uncertainty. 【1-ae5544】【2-561a4a】

Driven by ambition and a fierce desire to hold onto power, King John's actions send shockwaves through England and beyond. As alliances shift and loyalties are tested, Shakespeare's rarely performed history play becomes a thrilling exploration of leadership, legitimacy and national identity. 【2-561a4a】【3-10136b】

  • One of Shakespeare's least frequently performed history plays
  • A fascinating story of contested power and royal succession
  • Directed by Jaz Woodcock-Stewart in her Globe directorial debut
  • Performed in the atmospheric candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
  • A compelling exploration of leadership, loyalty and legacy
  • Perfect for Shakespeare enthusiasts and first-time theatre-goers alike

Staged in one of London's most atmospheric theatre spaces, King John offers a rare opportunity to experience an overlooked Shakespeare masterpiece in an unforgettable setting.

Book your King John London tickets today and discover one of Shakespeare's most powerful and rarely seen political dramas.

Location

Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

21 New Globe Walk,
Bankside,
London,
SE1 9DT
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How to find us

Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is located within Shakespeare's Globe at 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT.

  • By Underground: The nearest stations are Blackfriars, Southwark, London Bridge and Mansion House.
  • By train: Blackfriars and London Bridge stations are both within walking distance.
  • By bus: Route 381 stops nearby at Lavington Street.
  • By foot: The theatre is a short walk from the Millennium Bridge and Bankside riverside walkway.
  • By river: Bankside Pier is nearby for Thames river services.
Facilities
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Accessible toilets
  • Assisted listening facilities
  • Theatre bar
  • Refreshments available
  • Captioned performances
  • Audio-described performances
  • Relaxed performances
  • BSL-interpreted performances
  • Globe shop and visitor facilities
More Info
Is Sam Wanamaker Playhouse wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse offers accessible facilities for visitors with mobility requirements, including wheelchair-accessible seating and a programme of accessible performances. The venue also offers Relaxed, Captioned and Audio Described performances for selected productions.

Is Sam Wanamaker Playhouse suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, although age suitability varies by production.

Is there food and drink at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse?

Yes, visitors can purchase food and drinks at Shakespeare's Globe's on-site bars and hospitality areas before performances.

How do you get to Sam Wanamaker Playhouse?

Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is located at Shakespeare's Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT. The venue is best reached on foot from Blackfriars, London Bridge, Southwark or Mansion House stations. It is also just 50 metres from the Millennium Bridge and close to Bankside Pier for Thames river services.

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