West End transfer announced for The RSC's KYOTO

Emmie Newitt 2 October, 2024, 09:44

The production will transfer directly from its critically acclaimed world premiere in Stratford-upon-Avon earlier this year.

kyoto sohoplace (l-r): Stephen Kunken in Kyoto production image. Photo by Manuel Harlan

Kyoto will transfer to the West End's @sohoplace for a limited 16-week run at the beginning of 2025.

Part of Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey's inaugural programme as RSC Co-Directors, it is also their first co-production with Good Chance. Tony award-nominated actor Stephen Kunken (The Handmaid's Tale) will reprise his celebrated role as American oil lobbyist and master strategist, Don Pearlman.

Also returning to the cast Jenna Augen (Shirley), Olivia Barrowclough (Secretariat), Jorge Bosch (Raul Estrada-Oyuela), Nancy Crane (USA), Andrea Gatchalian (Kiribati, AOSIS), Togo Igawa (Japan, Ohki), Kwong Loke (China, Zhong), Dale Rapley (Bolin, Santer, Gore), Raad Rawi (Saudi Arabia, Al Sabban) and Ferdy Roberts (UK, Prescott, Houghton).

Written by Good Chance co-founders, Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson (The Jungle) and directed by Stephen Daldry (Stranger Things: The First Shadow) and Justin Martin (Prima Facie), Kyoto tells a breathless and gripping tale that recounts the fateful hours of tense negotiation which lead up to the historic signing of the UN's landmark climate conference in December 1997.

The production features a unique production design by award-winning designer Miriam Buether. The creative team also includes costumer designer Natalie Pryce, lighting designer Aideen Malone, sound designer Christopher Reid, video designer Akhila Krishnan, composer Paul Englishby, dramaturg Gemma Stockwood and casting director Julia Horan CDG.

Kyoto will run at @sohoplace from 9 January - 3 May 2025.

Kyoto Tickets