John Proctor is the Villain

John Proctor is the Villain tickets at Wyndham's Theatre

Image: © Sue Wagner and John Johnson

Kimberly Belflower's John Proctor is the Villain transfers to Wyndham's Theatre on Charing Cross Road for a strictly limited twelve week West End season, from Tuesday 2 February to Saturday 24 April 2027. It follows a completely sold out run at the Royal Court Theatre, and the producers describe it as one of the most compelling new plays of recent years. The Financial Times gave it five stars and called it "joyous, blazingly intelligent", while Time Out said simply "the hype is real". Booking for John Proctor is the Villain at Wyndham's will open on this page soon, so check back for dates and seats.

What is the play about?

One small town. A soundtrack of pop, adrenaline and barely contained rage. A class of American high school students is studying Arthur Miller's The Crucible, the classic drama about the Salem witch trials. Their teacher presents John Proctor as the tragic hero. Five young women are not so sure. As long buried truths rise to the surface in their own community, they begin to question everything they have been taught and take control of the narrative for themselves.

The play is funny, fierce and full of music, but it also asks serious questions about girlhood, power and who gets believed. It is a coming of age story and a sharp piece of social commentary at the same time. You do not need to know The Crucible to enjoy it, because the characters read it in class and you learn everything along the way. If you studied it at school, you may never see it the same way again. Our news story on the West End transfer from the Royal Court has more on the play's journey.

From the Royal Court to the West End

Director Danya Taymor, a Tony Award winner whose Broadway work includes The Outsiders, staged the production at the Royal Court, where it played to sold out houses. She returns to direct the Wyndham's season, which is presented by Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Sonia Friedman Productions, Wessex Grove, Runyonland, Spark Productions, John Mara Jr, Jillian Robbins and the Royal Court Theatre.

John Proctor is the Villain cast

The West End company includes Lauryn Ajufo as Nell Shaw, Charlie Borg as Lee Turner, Reece Braddock as Mason Adams, Dónal Finn as Carter Smith, Holly Howden Gilchrist as Beth Powell, Miya James as Raelynn Nix, Amy Macken as Ivy Watkins, Molly McFadden as Bailey Gallagher, Sadie Soverall as Shelby Holcomb and Alfie Craig, with Anna Francis, Thalia Gambe, Ada Grey and Tom Milligan as understudies. Further casting is to be announced.

Lauryn Ajufo was nominated for Best Breakthrough Performance at the 2021 British Independent Film Awards for Boiling Point and named a Screen International Star of Tomorrow. Dónal Finn won the Stalls to Stage Best Supporting Actor in a Musical award for Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre, and his screen work includes The Witcher, The Wheel of Time and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. Holly Howden Gilchrist trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and has appeared at the Tron and Citizens theatres.

Creative team

The play is written by Kimberly Belflower and directed by Danya Taymor, with scenography by AMP featuring Teresa L. Williams, costume design by Sarah Laux, lighting by Natasha Katz, sound by Palmer Hefferan, projection by Hannah Wasileski, movement direction by Tilly Evans Krueger and casting by Julia Horan.

Dates, times and running time

Performances run Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 3pm. The first midweek matinee is on Wednesday 10 February 2027 at 3pm. The show lasts approximately 1 hour 45 minutes with no interval, and latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break.

Who is the play suitable for?

John Proctor is the Villain is recommended for ages 12 and over. Children under 16 must sit next to an adult aged 18 or over, and children under 3 are not admitted. The play contains depictions of grooming and abusive relationships, descriptions of sexual assault, a forced kiss, racist and sexist microaggressions, strobe and flashing lights, a full blackout and loud music. It is a strong choice for school groups studying The Crucible, fans of bold new writing and anyone who loves sharp, funny drama with something to say.

Accessible performances

There is a captioned performance on Saturday 20 February 2027 at 3pm and an audio described performance on Saturday 6 March 2027 at 3pm. Wheelchair access is into Stalls Box A, and full details are on our Wyndham's Theatre guide.

Getting to Wyndham's Theatre

Wyndham's Theatre is at Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DA, right next to Leicester Square Underground station. Charing Cross is the nearest mainline station. Bag checks take place on arrival, so allow extra time. The theatre has three bars and a cloakroom for coats and small bags.

More plays in the West End

Looking for more? Browse our London plays, see what else is opening on our new shows page, see Noël Coward's comedy Hay Fever, catch the folk musical Hadestown, or explore all London theatre tickets.