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What Is A Very Expensive Poison About?

A Very Expensive Poison is a theatrical production based on the true and deeply unsettling story of Alexander Litvinenko, the former Russian spy who was poisoned with polonium-210 in London in 2006. Drawing on Luke Harding's acclaimed non-fiction book of the same name, the show examines the extraordinary chain of events that led to Litvinenko's death, the international political fallout that followed, and the tireless efforts of his widow, Marina Litvinenko, to seek justice and accountability.

The production blends dark comedy, political thriller, and human drama to tell a story that is at once intimate and global in scale. It asks difficult questions about power, impunity, and the relationship between the Russian state and those who dare to challenge it. The tone shifts between the deeply personal, focusing on Alexander and Marina's love story and family life, and the broader geopolitical landscape that made his murder possible.

Why Is A Very Expensive Poison Worth Seeing?

Few true stories translate to the stage with quite the same urgency as the Litvinenko case. The production uses theatrical invention and wit to illuminate events that might otherwise feel distant or impenetrable, making complex political material genuinely gripping for a wide audience. The writing finds moments of warmth and even humour within a story that is, at its heart, a profound tragedy.

The show has been praised for its bold staging choices and its refusal to reduce real people to simple heroes or villains. It treats Marina Litvinenko's story with particular care and respect, giving audiences an emotional anchor within a sprawling international narrative. For anyone interested in contemporary history, political theatre, or simply a compelling and brilliantly constructed piece of drama, this production offers something genuinely distinctive.

Who Created A Very Expensive Poison?

A Very Expensive Poison was written by Lucy Kirkwood, one of Britain's most celebrated and politically engaged playwrights, known for her ability to make large-scale stories feel intensely human. The production originated at the Old Vic Theatre in London, one of the city's most storied and respected producing houses, before transferring and reaching wider audiences. Lucy Kirkwood's adaptation of Luke Harding's investigative journalism brings a sharp dramatic intelligence to source material that is already extraordinary in its own right.

Practical Information for Visitors

A Very Expensive Poison has ended its run and tickets are no longer available for purchase. If you are researching this production with a view to seeing future revivals or touring productions, it is worth keeping an eye on the Old Vic's forthcoming programme, as well as regional theatres across the UK that frequently programme work of this calibre.

The Old Vic is located on The Cut in Waterloo, easily reached from Waterloo station, which is served by the London Underground, National Rail, and numerous bus routes. The theatre is a landmark venue with a rich history and is well worth visiting for any production on its stage. Visitors travelling from outside London should note that Waterloo is one of the city's major mainline rail terminals, making it straightforward to reach from many parts of the country.

What Similar Shows Might You Enjoy?

If A Very Expensive Poison appeals to you, there are several other productions in a similar vein that are well worth exploring. Fans of politically charged true-story drama may find Patriots of great interest, another production dealing with Russian oligarchs and political intrigue that received significant acclaim in London. Those drawn to the human dimension of the Litvinenko story may also appreciate The Lehman Trilogy, which similarly uses theatrical storytelling to illuminate real events of enormous historical consequence. For audiences who enjoy Lucy Kirkwood's writing specifically, her earlier work Chimerica offers a similarly urgent, globe-spanning political drama rooted in investigative journalism and moral complexity.