Latest Update
White Rabbit Red Rabbit is back in London for its 15th anniversary, playing Monday evenings at the Duchess Theatre until 2 November 2026. Nassim Soleimanpour’s experimental play gives a different performer an unopened script each night — with no rehearsal and no director.
Overview
This is one of those theatre ideas that is almost impossible to spoil without ruining the whole point. A performer walks onstage, opens a sealed envelope and encounters the script for the first time in front of the audience. Every performance is therefore genuinely different.
The play explores control, choice, obedience, freedom of expression and the relationship between performer and audience, while also drawing on Soleimanpour’s experience of being unable to leave Iran when he wrote it.
Cast
The performer changes every night. Upcoming announced performers currently include Archie Madekwe on 21 September, Christopher Eccleston on 28 September, Steve Pemberton on 5 October, Riz Ahmed on 12 October, Nish Kumar on 19 October and John Bradley on 26 October.
Previous performers in the 2026 anniversary run have included Munya Chawawa, Ginger Johnson, David Harewood, Mel Giedroyc, David Tennant, Jodie Whittaker, Luke Thompson, Kathryn Hunter and Kunal Nayyar.
The show has also attracted an extraordinary range of performers in earlier London runs, including Olly Alexander, who took on White Rabbit Red Rabbit at @sohoplace in 2024. If you’re interested in more from Olly, read our Olly Alexander at Southbank Centre guide.
Important: named performers can change. The production advises that performer changes do not normally qualify for refunds or exchanges unless the performance itself is cancelled.
Dates, Venue & Tickets
- Venue: Duchess Theatre, 3–5 Catherine Street, London WC2B 5LA
- Booking until: 2 November 2026
- Performances: Monday evenings
- Tickets: currently advertised from £25
- Age guidance: 14+
- Running time: approximately 60–70 minutes, no interval
Tickets: Book White Rabbit Red Rabbit tickets with ATG Tickets. This is an affiliate link, which means Clarissa’s Corner may earn a commission if you book through it, at no extra cost to you. Check the latest performer line-up, ticket availability and any date changes before booking.
Why See It?
If you like theatre that feels genuinely live, unpredictable and a little unsettling, this is a fascinating one. There is no safety net for the performer and no second chance to experience exactly the same version again.
Accessibility
Access information can vary by performance, so check the Duchess Theatre’s current access guidance and the individual ticket listing before booking. If you need a specific adjustment or interpreted performance, confirm it directly with the venue.
Practical Information
The Duchess Theatre is in Covent Garden at 3–5 Catherine Street. Covent Garden is the closest Tube station, with Temple also within walking distance.
FAQ
Does the actor rehearse White Rabbit Red Rabbit?
No. The performer receives and reads the script for the first time during the performance.
Is the same actor in every show?
No. A different performer is booked for each performance, making every night unique.
How long is White Rabbit Red Rabbit?
The current Duchess Theatre listing gives a running time of approximately 60–70 minutes with no interval.
Is White Rabbit Red Rabbit suitable for children?
The current age guidance is 14+, and the production warns that some themes may be unsettling.
More Theatre on Clarissa’s Corner
Explore more West End plays, unusual theatre experiences and London theatre guides across Clarissa’s Corner.
