Ben Elton’s Hilarious historical farce The Upstart Crow returns to the West End with David Mitchell as William Shakespeare

Beloved primetime comedy Upstart Crow is given the full West End treatment with this standalone play featuring all your favourite characters. David Mitchell takes to the stage as William Shakespeare in this laugh-out-loud production penned by Ben Elton.

Shakespeare is desperate for a hit and thinks his latest work, King Lear, may be just the ticket. However, with the zany characters loitering around his house, including wannabe actress Kate, puritan physician (and his own son-in-law) John Hall as well as two demanding daughters, Will seems to have plenty to deal with already!

The Upstart Crow was an immediate hit when it first opened in 2020, but its initial run was cut short by the Covid pandemic. Expect this madcap troupe of players to receive the same warm reception when their highly-anticipated return opens at the Apollo Theatre on 23rd September 2022.

Cast Information

British TV staple David Mitchell (Peep Show, That Mitchell & Webb Look) plays William Shakespeare with Gemma Whelan (Game of Thrones) as Kate.

The script is written as a standalone story by Ben Elton and is not a direct adaptation of the TV show, but will feature many of the characters you know and love.

Show Length and Times

Performances of The Upstart Crow last approximately 100 minutes, including an interval. Evening performances start at 7.30pm every night from Monday to Saturday, and matinees begin at 2.30pm every Wednesday and Saturday. There are no performances on Sundays.