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Since 1999

25 years

Official tickets

Pick seats

Since 1999

Trusted News & Reviews

25

years

best of british theatre

Official
tickets

Pick
your seats

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The Daughter of Time

A gripping new stage adaptation of Josephine Tey’s classic mystery that asks: what if history got it wrong?

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A Cold Case Through the Ages

It’s London, 1950. Inspector Alan Grant lies in a hospital bed, recovering from an injury with little more than time on his hands and a mystery on his mind. His case? The murder of the Princes in the Tower—and the infamous figure accused of the crime: Richard III.

In this brand-new theatrical adaptation of Josephine Tey’s groundbreaking novel, The Daughter of Time, Grant dives into the past with the help of a young American researcher and a cast of colourful hospital visitors. Together, they unpick the tangled threads of myth, propaganda, and political spin that have painted Richard III as history’s villain. As Grant digs deeper, a compelling question emerges: what if the real crime was the story we’ve all been told?

Blending sharp wit, historical detective work, and poignant drama, this world premiere offers a stirring meditation on how narratives are shaped—and by whom.

Description

A Cold Case Through the Ages

It’s London, 1950. Inspector Alan Grant lies in a hospital bed, recovering from an injury with little more than time on his hands and a mystery on his mind. His case? The murder of the Princes in the Tower—and the infamous figure accused of the crime: Richard III.

In this brand-new theatrical adaptation of Josephine Tey’s groundbreaking novel, The Daughter of Time, Grant dives into the past with the help of a young American researcher and a cast of colourful hospital visitors. Together, they unpick the tangled threads of myth, propaganda, and political spin that have painted Richard III as history’s villain. As Grant digs deeper, a compelling question emerges: what if the real crime was the story we’ve all been told?

Blending sharp wit, historical detective work, and poignant drama, this world premiere offers a stirring meditation on how narratives are shaped—and by whom.

Description

A Cold Case Through the Ages

It’s London, 1950. Inspector Alan Grant lies in a hospital bed, recovering from an injury with little more than time on his hands and a mystery on his mind. His case? The murder of the Princes in the Tower—and the infamous figure accused of the crime: Richard III.

In this brand-new theatrical adaptation of Josephine Tey’s groundbreaking novel, The Daughter of Time, Grant dives into the past with the help of a young American researcher and a cast of colourful hospital visitors. Together, they unpick the tangled threads of myth, propaganda, and political spin that have painted Richard III as history’s villain. As Grant digs deeper, a compelling question emerges: what if the real crime was the story we’ve all been told?

Blending sharp wit, historical detective work, and poignant drama, this world premiere offers a stirring meditation on how narratives are shaped—and by whom.

Know before you go

  • Venue: Charing Cross Theatre, The Arches, Villiers Street, London WC2N 6NL

  • Dates: Friday 18 July – Saturday 13 September 2025

  • Press Night: Friday 25 July 2025 at 7.30pm

  • Performance Schedule:

    18–26 July: Mon–Sat 7.30pm; Wed 2.30pm; Sat 3.00pm

    29 July–13 Sept: Tue–Sat 7.30pm; Wed 2.30pm; Sat & Sun 3.00pm

  • Age Guidance: 10+

Know before you go

  • Venue: Charing Cross Theatre, The Arches, Villiers Street, London WC2N 6NL

  • Dates: Friday 18 July – Saturday 13 September 2025

  • Press Night: Friday 25 July 2025 at 7.30pm

  • Performance Schedule:

    18–26 July: Mon–Sat 7.30pm; Wed 2.30pm; Sat 3.00pm

    29 July–13 Sept: Tue–Sat 7.30pm; Wed 2.30pm; Sat & Sun 3.00pm

  • Age Guidance: 10+

Know before you go

  • Venue: Charing Cross Theatre, The Arches, Villiers Street, London WC2N 6NL

  • Dates: Friday 18 July – Saturday 13 September 2025

  • Press Night: Friday 25 July 2025 at 7.30pm

  • Performance Schedule:

    18–26 July: Mon–Sat 7.30pm; Wed 2.30pm; Sat 3.00pm

    29 July–13 Sept: Tue–Sat 7.30pm; Wed 2.30pm; Sat & Sun 3.00pm

  • Age Guidance: 10+

Visitor guidelines

  • Arrival Time: Arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance.

  • Dress Code: Smart casual is welcome.

  • Accessibility: Contact the box office for specific access accommodations.

  • Refreshments: Bar and light snacks available in the theatre.

Visitor guidelines

  • Arrival Time: Arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance.

  • Dress Code: Smart casual is welcome.

  • Accessibility: Contact the box office for specific access accommodations.

  • Refreshments: Bar and light snacks available in the theatre.

Visitor guidelines

  • Arrival Time: Arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance.

  • Dress Code: Smart casual is welcome.

  • Accessibility: Contact the box office for specific access accommodations.

  • Refreshments: Bar and light snacks available in the theatre.

Cast and creatives

Creative Team

  • Written by: M. Kilburg Reedy

  • Directed by: Jenny Eastop

  • Set & Costume Design: Bob Sterrett

  • Lighting Design: Oliver McNally

  • Composition: Haddon Kime

  • Sound Design: Andrew Johnson

  • Hair, Make-up & Wigs: Diana Estrada Hudson

  • Casting: Neil Rutherford

  • Production Management: James Anderton

  • Producers: Excelsior Entertainment, Mercurius Theatre, Steven M. Levy for Charing Cross Theatre Productions Ltd.

Full casting to be announced.

Cast and creatives

Creative Team

  • Written by: M. Kilburg Reedy

  • Directed by: Jenny Eastop

  • Set & Costume Design: Bob Sterrett

  • Lighting Design: Oliver McNally

  • Composition: Haddon Kime

  • Sound Design: Andrew Johnson

  • Hair, Make-up & Wigs: Diana Estrada Hudson

  • Casting: Neil Rutherford

  • Production Management: James Anderton

  • Producers: Excelsior Entertainment, Mercurius Theatre, Steven M. Levy for Charing Cross Theatre Productions Ltd.

Full casting to be announced.

Cast and creatives

Creative Team

  • Written by: M. Kilburg Reedy

  • Directed by: Jenny Eastop

  • Set & Costume Design: Bob Sterrett

  • Lighting Design: Oliver McNally

  • Composition: Haddon Kime

  • Sound Design: Andrew Johnson

  • Hair, Make-up & Wigs: Diana Estrada Hudson

  • Casting: Neil Rutherford

  • Production Management: James Anderton

  • Producers: Excelsior Entertainment, Mercurius Theatre, Steven M. Levy for Charing Cross Theatre Productions Ltd.

Full casting to be announced.

Frequently asked questions

Is this based on a true story?

While fictional, the play investigates the real historical debate over King Richard III and the fate of the Princes in the Tower.

Who is Josephine Tey?

A celebrated Scottish novelist, Tey wrote under a pseudonym and is regarded as one of the most significant crime writers of the 20th century.

What genre is the show?

It’s a historical mystery, combining detective fiction, romance, and political intrigue.

How long is the performance?

Running time to be confirmed.

Is the play suitable for children?

The recommended age is 10+, due to complex themes.

Are there discounts for groups or schools?

Contact the box office directly for group rates and availability.

Frequently asked questions

Is this based on a true story?

While fictional, the play investigates the real historical debate over King Richard III and the fate of the Princes in the Tower.

Who is Josephine Tey?

A celebrated Scottish novelist, Tey wrote under a pseudonym and is regarded as one of the most significant crime writers of the 20th century.

What genre is the show?

It’s a historical mystery, combining detective fiction, romance, and political intrigue.

How long is the performance?

Running time to be confirmed.

Is the play suitable for children?

The recommended age is 10+, due to complex themes.

Are there discounts for groups or schools?

Contact the box office directly for group rates and availability.

Frequently asked questions

Is this based on a true story?

While fictional, the play investigates the real historical debate over King Richard III and the fate of the Princes in the Tower.

Who is Josephine Tey?

A celebrated Scottish novelist, Tey wrote under a pseudonym and is regarded as one of the most significant crime writers of the 20th century.

What genre is the show?

It’s a historical mystery, combining detective fiction, romance, and political intrigue.

How long is the performance?

Running time to be confirmed.

Is the play suitable for children?

The recommended age is 10+, due to complex themes.

Are there discounts for groups or schools?

Contact the box office directly for group rates and availability.

In Charing Cross Theatre

Venue address

The Arches, Villers Street, London WC2N 6NL

Venue address

The Arches, Villers Street, London WC2N 6NL

Venue address

The Arches, Villers Street, London WC2N 6NL

How to get there

Metro

Charing Cross or Embankment

Train

Charing Cross

Bus

(Strand) 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139, 176

Parking:

Trafalgar (10minutes)

How to get there

Metro

Charing Cross or Embankment

Train

Charing Cross

Bus

(Strand) 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139, 176

Parking:

Trafalgar (10minutes)

How to get there

Metro

Charing Cross or Embankment

Train

Charing Cross

Bus

(Strand) 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139, 176

Parking:

Trafalgar (10minutes)

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