Play · Off-West End
Man to Man
Manfred Karge's one-person play is set in 1930s Germany. A woman puts on her dead husband's trousers and never takes them off, living as a man through war, dictatorship, hunger and humiliation in order to survive.
The play was first staged in 1988 at the Traverse Theatre and the Royal Court. Tilda Swinton plays Ella and Max in this production, which the Royal Court describes as her return to the stage after more than thirty years. Stephen Unwin directs. Running time is approximately 1 hour 25 minutes, and the Royal Court recommends it for ages 14+.
Buying advice
How to book
Man to Man is sold out and closes on 24 October 2026, so the usual advice doesn't apply: there are no seats on general sale to pick a date for, and no offer to weigh up.
Ways to pay less
The ways in are the ones that put seats on sale after the fact. Every Monday, all tickets are £15: they go online at 9am on the day of the performance, two per booking, so be on the Royal Court's site at nine. Returns come back to the box office as people hand them in: sign up for them and be reachable. A small number of standing places are sold in person from 90 minutes before each Jerwood Theatre Downstairs performance, 10p cash or £1 by card, two per person. None of these is guaranteed, and nothing else applies to a sold-out run: not previews, concessions or a cheaper night.
Deals4
Best deals across LondonEvery current deal we track for Man to Man, checked daily. Last checked 22 October.
Small number of standing tickets released 90 mins before each Jerwood Theatre Downstairs performance. 10p cash or £1 card, in-person only at Box Office (max 2 per person). Book online from 9am on show day (max 2 per booking). Limited advance tickets for Royal Court Friends/Members, Writers Card+ Members & Supporters. Strictly no third-party sellers.
Small number of standing tickets released 90 mins before each Jerwood Theatre Downstairs performance. 10p cash or £1 card, in-person only at Box Office (max 2 per person).
- Young
Concessions offer £5 off selected bands for Thu & Sat performances, and for previews. — Concessions offer £5 off selected bands for Thu & Sat performances, and for previews. Valid for Students, 25 & under, Over 65s, Equity/BECTU/SDUK/WGGB, Unwaged. Not valid for Mon performances or with other offers. Exclusions apply.
Schools, colleges and education groups of 8+ pay £17.50 for band D seats or £30 for band C in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, on selected performances. Rates subject to change and availability.
Pricing
+0% peak surcharge (mid-range seats)Peak
Weekends & holidays| Area | Top | Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | £74.50 | £74.50 |
| Mid-range | £55 | £39.50 |
| Budget | £25 | £25 |
Off-peak
Mid-week| Area | Top | Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | £74.50 | £74.50 |
| Mid-range | £55 | £39.50 |
| Budget | £25 | £25 |
Prices are taken from the show's official website and are a guide only — they change without notice.
Where to sit
If you do get in, the Stalls are closest to the stage and the most accessible. The Circle has the best overview, with sought-after front rows and cheaper slips at the sides. The Balcony is the budget option, with tight legroom and a steep angle.
The Royal Court Theatre's own seating guide, level by level, is below.
Critics
What the critics said
Reviews of this production at Royal Court Theatre · Opened 6 September 2026
4 reviews, 3 with star ratings · an average appears once five outlets have given stars
Evening Standard
Nick Curtis · Read the review at Evening StandardThe Independent
Alice Saville · Read the review at The Independent“Tilda Swinton is mesmerising as a woman at war with gender norms”
London Theatre
Holly O'Mahony · Read the review at London Theatre“the remarkable Tilda Swinton is gruff, vulgar, and defiant”
Also reviewed by British Theatre Guide
Quotes are brief extracts, each with a link to the full review. Star ratings are the outlets’ own; we never work one out from a review’s words. If you publish one of these reviews and would like it removed, email us and we will take it down promptly.
Thinking of going with a group?
No group rate is listed for this show yet. Register your interest, and if enough people are in, we’ll ask the theatre for one.
Staying nearby
The nearest hotels to the Royal Court Theatre, for anyone travelling in for a show rather than heading home after it.
- The Chelsea Townhouseabout 5 min walk
- San Domenico Houseabout 5 min walk
- The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotelabout 10 min walk
Hotels.com affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Prices and availability are shown on their site.
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