Oedipus Tickets

Sophocles' Oedipus Rex is one of the most enduring tragedies in theatre history, captivating audiences for centuries with its gripping narrative of fate, free will, and identity. A staple of classical Greek theatre, the play follows the tragic downfall of Oedipus, the King of Thebes, as he unwittingly fulfills a chilling prophecy. 

Known for its dramatic irony and intense emotional depth, Oedipus  remains a favourite among theatre companies and continues to inspire modern adaptations - in fact, there were two productions of the classic text which played in the West End mere weeks after each other! Oedipus starring Mark Strong and Lesley Manville played at the Wyndham's Theatre from 4 October 2024 to 5 January 2025, while Oedipus starring Rami Malek and Indira Varma played at the Old Vic from 27 January - 29 March 2025. 

The play’s compelling characters drive its powerful storytelling, offering rich roles that challenge actors and enthrall audiences. Here’s a closer look at the key figures who bring this iconic tragedy to life on stage.

Oedipus' main characters

Oedipus

The tragic hero and King of Thebes, Oedipus is a man of intelligence, determination, and pride. His relentless pursuit of the truth leads him to uncover his own dark fate - that he has unwittingly killed his father and married his mother. His journey from confident ruler to broken exile is one of the most profound character arcs in theatre history, offering actors a complex role filled with emotional highs and devastating lows.

Jocasta

Jocasta, the Queen of Thebes and wife (and unknowingly, mother) of Oedipus, is a figure of both strength and tragic despair. Initially dismissing prophecies as unreliable, she is ultimately faced with the horrifying truth of her past. Her role provides a deeply emotional counterpoint to Oedipus' search for answers, culminating in one of the play’s most heartbreaking moments.

Creon

Creon, Jocasta’s brother, serves as a voice of reason and political pragmatism throughout the play. While he initially tries to counsel Oedipus with caution, he later becomes a central figure in the aftermath of the king’s downfall. His character is often portrayed as calm and composed, making him a stark contrast to Oedipus’ passionate nature.

Written more than 2,000 years ago, Oedipus is the mother of all plays! This timeless tale of fate and morality has birthed countless adaptations, novels, and even a global psychoanalytic theory! It is one of the most influential works of all time, with Aristotle just one of its many famous fans. In fact, the writer was so enamoured with the piece he wrote an entire book devoted to the play, claiming that Sophocles’ work was the ‘pinnacle of tragedies.’ 

Brought into the 21^st century, Robert Icke’s modern retelling of the Greek masterpiece transports the action into the bloodthirsty world of politics. Election night is looming, and tensions reach fever pitch as a predicted landslide victory vanishes and civil unrest soars. Who will emerge victorious in the new world, and will their spoils merit the bloodshed? 

Playing for a strictly limited run, here are five reasons why you need to see Oedipus when it opens at Wyndham’s Theatre later this year.

The cat is out of the bag as Sonia Friedman Productions recently took to Twitter to tease a new Robert Icke-directed production based on Sophocles' Oedipus. The upcoming play has yet to find a London home but is widely rumoured to be heading to the West End, perhaps sometime next year. The new show will star multi-award-winning actress Helen Mirren alongside film star Mark Strong. Performance dates, venue, and ticketing information have yet to be announced.