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What Is Best of Enemies About?

Best of Enemies is a stage adaptation of the acclaimed documentary film of the same name, bringing to life one of the most celebrated and combustible rivalries in American political broadcasting. The production dramatises the notorious televised debates between conservative writer Gore Vidal and liberal intellectual William F. Buckley Jr., which took place during the 1968 American political conventions. What began as a format experiment by ABC News became something far more electric: a war of words between two brilliant, deeply opposed minds that helped reshape political commentary and, some argue, laid the groundwork for the opinionated punditry that dominates television to this day.

The play captures the sharp wit, barely contained contempt, and intellectual fireworks that defined those exchanges, placing two towering personalities at the centre of a story about the culture wars, the media, and the nature of debate itself.

Why Is Best of Enemies Worth Seeing?

Theatre rarely finds such perfectly dramatic source material as two brilliant people who genuinely despise each other. Best of Enemies is not simply a history lesson; it is a masterclass in theatrical tension, where every line carries the weight of ideology, ego, and personal animosity. For audiences interested in politics, media history, or simply outstanding writing and performance, the production offers a gripping evening of theatre that feels remarkably relevant to contemporary debates about truth, rhetoric, and the role of television in public life.

The play also works beautifully for those with no prior knowledge of Vidal or Buckley, providing enough context to make the stakes feel immediate and the characters fully realised.

Cast and Creative Team

Best of Enemies has attracted strong critical attention in both its American and British productions, with the central performances requiring extraordinary verbal dexterity and physical presence. The roles of Gore Vidal and William F. Buckley Jr. demand performers capable of conveying both intellectual brilliance and raw personal antagonism. Specific casting details for individual productions vary, and visitors are encouraged to check the official production website or booking pages for the most accurate and up-to-date cast information.

Practical Information for Visitors

Best of Enemies is a play best suited to adults and older teenagers with an interest in drama, political history, or American culture. The production contains strong language and depicts the intense personal hostility between its two central figures, so it may not be suitable for younger children. Running times and exact pricing vary by production and venue, so checking directly with the box office before booking is always advisable.

If you are visiting London for the first time and planning an evening of theatre, the West End and surrounding areas offer excellent dining options both before and after performances. Many London theatres also have bars open before the show and during the interval, making for a full evening out.

Similar Shows You Might Enjoy

If Best of Enemies appeals to you, you may also enjoy other productions that place real historical figures in dramatic confrontation. Frost/Nixon by Peter Morgan explores another legendary battle of wits between a television interviewer and a disgraced president, and shares much of the same tension and intellectual energy. Ink examines the rise of Rupert Murdoch and the birth of modern tabloid journalism, offering another sharp look at media, power, and personality. For something with a similarly combative dynamic rooted in real events, The Audience and Quiz are also well worth exploring.