A Little Life

A Little Life at Savoy Theatre

Why see A Little Life?

new venue, more performances added by popular demand!

Grantchester and Happy Valley star James Norton returns to the West End, leading an all-star cast including Luke Thompson (Bridgerton), Omari Douglas (It's A Sin), and Zach Wyatt (The Witcher) in this emotional rollercoaster adaptation of Hanya Yanagihara's bestselling novel. 

Directed by multi-award-winning Ivo Van Hove, A Little Life explores the long-term effects of child abuse and if love is enough to abate lifelong trauma. First seen in a four-hour version in Dutch at 2022's Edinburgh international festival, this production marks the first English language staging of what critics called a"mesmerising adaptation" that "unpicks privilege, abuse, and psychological damage." Van Hove calls it; "a rollercoaster of emotions: it's heartbreaking, hard, emotional, sweet, tender, about friendship and sexuality and its importance in your life. It's a masterpiece and I'm blessed that I'm the only one in the world who got the rights."

What is the story?

A Little Life follows four college friends living in New York. With lawyer Jude (Norton) as their North Star, the group navigates life in the city and the evils of pride, ambition, and addiction that come with trying to make it. But despite their conflicting currents, they're always drawn back to the universally beloved Jude and the mysteries of his past, seeking to soothe his simmering self-hatred with a balm of love.

Key Information

Audience

Themes of child abuse and trauma

Dates

Finished 5 Aug 2023

Reviews

Customer reviews

9 reviews, average rating: (4.8 Stars)

Hellyn Fairbrother

Utterly memorable

If happy candy floss and sugar coatings are your idea of a meaningful theatre experience then head for stage exit This is the spellbinding, powerful tale of fragmented , devastated and shattered lives portrayed brilliantly by the endlessly talented James Norton and his fellow actors. With an under current of love in all its forms desperately trying to repair historic and formative damage. It’s staged brilliantly and in my humble opinion deserves each of its five stars ... Read more

David Weale

Harrowing, shocking and brilliant

I had read the book twice and was in awe of its stunning study in trauma and shame but seeing it realised on stage was just extraordinary! The director and writers which include Hanya Yanagihara have brilliantly translated the book into this play. The acting by the whole cast is wonderful, tender, compassionate and authentic. James Norton’s portrayal of Jude is remarkable and exactly as I imagined him to be. He deserves all the accolades and future prizes. An unforgettable experience. ... Read more

R

Amazing

The acting was unbelievable ... Read more
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