Matthew Bourne's Play Without Words

Don't miss this limited run of Matthew Bourne's tale of seduction, class and intrigue in 1960s Chelsea at Sadler's Wells.

This spellbinding revival brings back the innovative blend of theatre and dance that scooped two Olivier Awards in 2002, complete with its acclaimed period set design and jazz-influenced live score.

Matthew Bourne's Play Without Words

Completely free of speech, this innovative production uses movement to tell an engrossing story of desire and domestic intrigue. With every move choreographed, the performers' actions take on an intensity that makes the sensual, sinister plot simmer.  

Uniquely, each character is portrayed by a number of simultaneous performers, allowing the audience to see different sides to their personality and their "before and after" reactions to events.  

The Play Without Words

Loosely based on 1963 film The Servant, The Play Without Words is the story of upper-class Anthony and his beautiful fiancée Glenda, who hire a new manservant for their Chelsea home. Unknown to them, the servant Prentice harbours both a grudge and a sinister determination to master his employer.

As the maid Sheila and Anthony's earthy friend Speight are added to the volatile mix, the sexual tension reaches breaking point and Anthony's position as master of the house is thrown into jeopardy.