Toby Stephens to lead the company of EQUUS at Menier Chocolate Factory

Emmie Newitt 23 February, 2026, 09:05

Peter Shaffer's shocking, disturbing play about religious obsession and sexual desire returns to the stage in a brand-new revival by Lindsay Posner (The Deep Blue Sea and A View From The Bridge, Theatre Royal Bath and Theatre Royal Haymarket) at the Menier Chocolate Factory this Spring.

toby equus Toby Stephens. Headshot provided by production.

Equus will be revived for the first time since its last production in the West End in 2007. Richard Griffiths, Daniel Radcliffe, and Joanna Christie starred in its run at the Gielgud Theatre in 2007. It originally debuted at the National Theatre in 1973.

Toby Stephens, who recently starred in Wendy and Peter Pan, will play the role of Dr. Martin Dysart. Further casting for the production is to be announced soon.

Peter Shaffer's brilliantly intriguing, award-winning play is now considered a modern masterpiece. It centres on a psychiatrist who tries to understand why a teenage boy named Alan Strong, blinded six horses. He discovers that Alan worships horses as a personal god called "Equus," which has been shaped by his strict religious upbringing and sexual repression. But as the psychiatrist Martin uncovers the truth, he is forced to confront his own beliefs, purpose, and the true nature of passion.

The creative team for the play includes Set and Costume Design by Paul Farnsworth, Lighting Design by Paul Pyant, Composed and Sound Design by Adam Cork, and Movement Direction by James Cousins.

Equus will play at the Menier Chocolate Factory from 8 May to 27 June.

Equus Tickets