Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel (Killing Eve) will go head to head in the West End premiere of Born With Teeth, a new play that imagines the relationship between literary icons Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare.
Written by Liz Duffy Adams, Gatwa plays Marlowe and Bluemel is Shakespeare in the production directed by Daniel Evans (Quiz, American Buffalo), RSC co-artistic director, in his directorial debut for the company.
Winter 1591. It is a dangerous time for artists: the country is full of conspiracy and paranoia.
In the backroom of a pub, writing sensations Kit Marlowe and Will Shakespeare are forced together in a creative union. Alone, with the table as their stage and battlefield, they sharpen their pens – and let their genius fly.
Across three secret meetings, the rivals duel and flirt like their lives depend on it – and with spies everywhere, betrayal is so tempting.
From producers Playful Productions, the Royal Shakespeare Company and Elizabeth Williams, design is by Joanna Scotcher and lighting design by Neil Austin. The casting director is Charlotte Sutton.
Born With Teeth will play at Wyndham’s Theatre for a strictly limited 11-week season until Saturday, November 1, with a first preview on Wednesday, August 13. Tickets go on general sale on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 here: BornWithTeethPlay.com
Images: Born With Teeth. Credit Felicity McCabe (supplied)