SIMON RUSSEL BEAL RETURNS TO THE BARBICAN
Simon Russel Beal will narrate Greg Doran's celebrated production of Shakespeare's great poem Venus & Adonis, animated by a team of world-class puppeteers.
Comedy, tragedy and Shakespeare’s extraordinary poetry are woven together in this thrilling production which brings to life the famous story of Venus and her obsession with the handsome Adonis. Directed by Greg Doran, former Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company and a renowned Shakespearean, with puppets designed and created by Lyndie Wright, cofounder of the Little Angel Theatre and one of Britain’s most celebrated puppet designers, this captivating theatrical experience comes to The Pit as part of a limited UK and European tour this June.
8 Venus and Adonis (Image by Robert Day 2004 c RSC)
Simon Russell Beale narrates this revival, performed on stage by a team of world-class puppeteers, with live musical accompaniment from guitarist Nick Lee.
First created in 2004 and revived in 2017, this spellbinding show draws inspiration from the bewitching artistry of Japanese Bunraku puppets and the Jacobean Court Masque, using marionettes, rod, shadow and table-top puppets to tell the story.
This production offers an exclusive opportunity to witness, close at hand, the powerful, erotically charged tale of unrequited love that made Venus & Adonis Shakespeare’s most popular printed work during his lifetime, as it has been reimagined today.
Toni Racklin, Barbican Head of Theatre & Dance, says: “We are thrilled to welcome Venus & Adonis back to London for its landmark revival, bringing this celebrated production to The Pit as part of its UK and European tour. It’s our honour to continue collaborating with Simon Russell Beale and Greg Doran, two of the foremost interpreters of William Shakespeare, whose work has shaped audiences’ understanding of his writing over many years. We’re excited to offer audiences a unique opportunity to experience the intimacy of our studio space and the inventive storytelling it enables.”
LISTINGS Greg Doran: Venus & Adonis By William Shakespeare
By William Shakespeare Tuesday 23 — Saturday 27 June 2026
The Pit Press performance: Tuesday 23 June 2026
Running time: Approx 60 mins (no interval)
Age guidance: 14+
Content guidance: Contains mature themes and imagery
Tickets £25 plus booking fee; £10 Young Barbican tickets available https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2026/event/greg-doran-venus-adonis
General tickets on sale Friday 10 April 2026.