Born With Teeth to Premiere in the West End this Summer with Ncuti Gatwa

Born With Teeth, the critically acclaimed play by Liz Duffy Adams, will have its West End premiere this summer at Wyndham’s Theatre, bringing to life the intense and politically charged relationship between two of the most famous writers in history, Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare.

A Tense and Complex Encounter

Set in the winter of 1591, the play imagines a secret meeting between the two playwrights, who develop a tense and complex connection amidst the backdrop of political danger, artistic rivalry, and surveillance. In a time when both men’s lives were at risk, their meeting serves as a moment of passion, conspiracy, and a clash of genius.

Artwork for Bones With Teeth - Edward Bluemel and Ncuti Gatwa.

Cast and Creative Team

The production will star Ncuti Gatwa as Christopher Marlowe and Edward Bluemel as William Shakespeare. Both actors bring a fresh energy to the iconic figures, with Gatwa excited to dive into the dark, sharp, and witty world created by Adams. "This is like no version of Shakespeare and Marlowe I’ve ever seen before," said Gatwa, describing the play as smart, dark, sexy, sharp, and funny.

The play will be directed by Daniel Evans, co-artistic director of the RSC, marking his first West End project with the company. His extensive experience includes directing Quiz, American Buffalo, South Pacific, and Our Generation. The production’s design will be handled by Joanna Scotcher, with Neil Austin providing the lighting design. Casting is by Charlotte Sutton, with the remainder of the creative team to be announced.

Excitement from the Cast

Bluemel expressed his enthusiasm for playing the young Shakespeare, describing the role as a huge thrill for any actor. “When I read Liz Duffy Adams’ script, I was instantly drawn into the high-stakes world of these two rival playwrights and the incredible, creative chemistry they share,” said Bluemel.

An Unmissable Experience

The play’s production company, Playful Productions, has long worked with the RSC, and Matthew Byam Shaw, Nia Janis, and Nick Salmon expressed their excitement about continuing their collaboration. “We are thrilled to be bringing this exciting, sexy, and thrilling play to the West End,” they said.

Ticket Information

Born With Teeth will run for an 11-week season at Wyndham’s Theatre from 13 August to 1 November 2025, with tickets going on sale to the public from 16 April, and priority booking opening on 11 April. To ensure accessibility, 2,000 tickets priced at £10 will be available for 16 to 25-year-olds, sponsored by TikTok.

A Thrilling Play

Evans and co-artistic director Tamara Harvey shared their excitement about the continued growth of the RSC’s presence in London, with Evans noting, “We are thrilled that two such extraordinary actors as Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel will be joining us this summer for this exciting production.”

Producer Williams added: “It is rare in my many years as a West End and Broadway producer to read a play like Born With Teeth, which from the first sentence, thrills. Liz Duffy Adams has brilliantly captured the intersection of these two great poets’ lives in a way that feels both timeless and intensely passionate.”

Don't Miss This Unique Production

Born With Teeth promises to be a landmark production, offering a unique exploration of the relationship between Marlowe and Shakespeare. With a strong cast and a talented creative team, the play is poised to be one of the most exciting theatrical events of 2025.