The Pillowman

Duke of York's Theatre, London's West End

About the Show

‘The first duty of a storyteller is to tell a story’. Or was it ‘The only duty of a storyteller is to tell a story.’

In a totalitarian state a Writer is questioned by the authorities about a spate of murders that bear similarities to her short stories. Is this life imitating art or something more sinister? This black comedy widely regarded as one of the greatest plays of the past 25 years, examines the role of the artist in society and asks what price do we pay for freedom of expression.

With an all-star cast including Lily Allen and Steve Pemberton, Matthew Dunster directs the first major revival of Martin McDonagh’s electrifying and savagely funny Olivier award-winning play, The Pillowman at the intimate Duke of York’s Theatre for a strictly limited season.

“The Pillowman is a spellbinding stunner of a play.
Comedies don’t come any blacker than this.”

BEN BRANTLEY, NEW YORK TIMES

Please note: this play contains scenes and language that may offend and is not suitable for children.