Tilda Swinton has returned to the stage in Manfred Karge’s Man to Man, with the landmark revival playing at the Royal Court Theatre in London until 24 October 2026.
Latest Update
Production images have now been released as the London run continues. Swinton reprises the extraordinary role of Ella/Max more than 30 years after first bringing the part to life at the Traverse Theatre and Royal Court.
Overview
Set in 1930s Germany, Man to Man follows a woman who puts on her dead husband’s trousers and assumes his identity. As the world changes around her, she endures dictatorship, war, hunger and humiliation while fighting to survive.
The revival reunites Swinton with director Stephen Unwin and designer Bunny Christie. The play is written by Manfred Karge, translated by Anthony Vivis and revised by Stephen Unwin.
Cast
- Tilda Swinton – Ella/Max
Creative Team
- Writer – Manfred Karge
- Translator – Anthony Vivis
- Director / Revision – Stephen Unwin
- Designer – Bunny Christie
- Lighting Designer – Ben Ormerod
- Sound Designer – Elena Peña
- Projection Designer – Matt Powell
- Movement Director – Kane Husbands
- Design Associate – Verity Sadler
- Props Supervisor – Lily Mollgaard
- Associate Director – Eleanor Burke
- Voice – Hazel Holder
Production Images
New production photography offers a closer look at Tilda Swinton back in the role of Ella/Max.
Dates and Venue
Man to Man plays in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London, until Saturday 24 October 2026. The production then continues to the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh from 29 October to 7 November 2026, before transferring to the Berliner Ensemble in 2027 and continuing to New York in spring 2027.
Tickets
Standard tickets are priced from £15 to £74.50. Availability can change quickly, so check the Royal Court Theatre directly for current seats, returns and any on-the-day ticket options before travelling.
Accessibility
Confirmed access performances at the Royal Court include a Chilled performance on 3 October, BSL interpreted performance on 7 October, Captioned performances on 9 and 24 October, and an Audio-Described performance on 10 October.
Access tickets are listed at £19, with a companion ticket available at the same rate. Check the Royal Court’s official access information for booking requirements and the latest availability.
Practical Information
- Venue: Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AS
- London dates: 5 September – 24 October 2026
- Edinburgh dates: 29 October – 7 November 2026
- Standard ticket range: £15 – £74.50
Why See It?
Swinton’s return to a role she first played decades ago makes this one of the most intriguing theatre revivals of the autumn. It is also a rare chance to see the original performer and key members of the creative team revisit a production closely connected to her early stage career.
FAQ
When is Man to Man at the Royal Court Theatre?
The London run continues until Saturday 24 October 2026.
Who stars in Man to Man?
Tilda Swinton performs the role of Ella/Max.
Where does Man to Man go after London?
The production continues to the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, followed by the Berliner Ensemble and a New York run in spring 2027.
