Critically acclaimed play Gunter set for London stage after Edinburgh Fringe success

The Royal Court Theatre has confirmed the London transfer of the critically acclaimed play Gunter, a historical tale co-created by Lydia Higman, Julia Grogan and Rachel Lemon. Following its sell-out debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2023, the award-winning production by Dirty Hare will grace the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs stage from 3^rd to 25^th April 2024.

Set in a small village near Oxford in the year 1604, Gunter depicts the harrowing events in the life of Anne Gunter, a woman who begins to suffer alarming symptoms such as convulsions and vomiting pins. She accuses local women of bewitching her amidst the backdrop of two boys’ murder by Brian Gunter, a formidable local figure. As the richest man in the village and one with a fragile ego, Brian Gunter cannot tolerate public criticism, leading to a bitter dispute when his daughter Anne starts exhibiting similar strange afflictions, sparking rumours of witchcraft.

The play’s creators, Dirty Hare, formed in 2021 and have quickly gained recognition for their work in theatre, including their previous sell-out show BELLY UP. Gunter is directed by Rachel Lemon, with live music composed by Lydia Higman, who is also the historian for the production. The original cast, including Julia Grogan, Norah Lopez Holden, Hannah Jarrett-Scott and Lydia Higman, will reprise their roles.

The creative team behind Gunter boasts talents such as designer Anna Orton, lighting expert Amy Daniels, video/projection artist Michelle Alise, music and lyrics by Lydia Higman, sound consultant Tom Alford, and design associate Anisha Fields.

Dirty Hare has expressed immense excitement about the transfer, looking forward to sharing the story with larger audiences and incorporating a new design by Anna Orton to inject fresh energy into the London shows.

The Royal Court Theatre anticipates revealing its 2024 Season later in the spring, marking the first programme under the new Artistic Director David Byrne. Meanwhile, tickets for Gunter are available with various concessions and special performances, including a captioned performance on 19^th April and a relaxed environment performance on 20^th April.

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Gunter is at the Royal Court Theatre from 3^rd until 27^th April 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.