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The Line of Beauty

Based on the novel by Alan Hollinghurst, Adapted by Jack Holden, Directed by Michael Grandage

Event details

Sold Out

Tue 21 Oct - Sat 29 Nov 2025

Many performances of The Line of Beauty have limited availability or appear as sold out, but you still might be able to get tickets. Check our ticket guide for tips on securing yours >

I can’t explain it. I can’t explain any of it to you. The line of beauty which led me to him… to here.

London. Summer, 1983.

Nick Guest moves into the grand Notting Hill home of his university friend Toby — and into the dazzling world of Toby’s father Gerald, a newly elected Tory MP, his elegant wife Rachel, and their troubled daughter Cat. From private gardens to country estates, glittering parties to political dinners, Nick is swept up in a world of money, power and privilege. A world that promises everything — and exacts a cost.

As he pursues beauty in all its forms — aesthetic, erotic, aspirational — Nick finds himself caught between the freedoms of desire and the rigid boundaries of class, sexuality and public image in a rapidly changing Britain.

The Line of Beauty is a captivating portrait of Thatcher’s Britain at its most decadent and divisive, based on the Booker Prize-winning novel by “one of the greatest writers of our time” (The Guardian) Alan Hollinghurst. Olivier Award nominee Jack Holden’s (Cruise; Kenrex) new adaptation of this poignant book is directed by Tony Award winner Michael Grandage.

Running Time Approx. 2 hours and 30 mins including an interval (subject to change during previews)

Evenings 7.30pm
Matinees 2pm

Content Warnings Recommended for ages 15+. Read more about our production guidance and warnings>

REVIEWS

★★★★
“Deliciously
witty”
Independent

★★★★
“Hugely entertaining”
Evening Standard

★★★★
“Rich and compelling”
The i

The Line of Beauty Production Photo

Production  photos

By Johan Persson

An image gallery with 25 photos
Charles Edwards stands on a chair on stage, giving a speech. The Line of Beauty company stand facing him.
Alistair Nwachukwu wears an orange vest top and blue jeans. He leans back on a bicycle and looks to the side with a mischievous expression.
Alistair Nwachukwu and Jasper Talbot hold each other close, smiling at one another. Alistair wears a loose shirt, blue jeans and trainers. Jasper wears a formal light shirt, dark green trousers and brown loafers.
Doreene Blackstock wears a colourful printed top, and smiles across a dinner table at Jasper Talbot, who wears a brown blazer and face away from the camera. Alistair Nwachukwu sits between them, wearing a white and orange shirt.
Charles Edwards wears a white polo shirt and dark apron. He smiles, standing behind a table to prepare drinks.
Jasper Talbot wears a blue shirt and brown corduroy blazer. He sits on a sofa, smiling and holding an open book in his lap.
The Line of Beauty company sit at a table on stage.
Leo Suter wears green Speedos and stands near an outdoor table on stage. He has one hand on his hip and looks towards Jasper Talbot, who smiles at him from a sun lounger.
Jasper Talbot and Matt Mella sit on a white sofa, looking at one another. Matt leans towards Jasper, wearing a white vest and blue jeans. Jasper wears a light blue t-shirt. A pile of videos is on a glass table in front of them.
Jasper Talbot straddles Matta Mella on a white sofa. Jasper looks at Arty Froushan, who sits near them.
Ellie Bamber wears light wash jeans and a black fuzzy top. She is mid-motion and looks distraught.
Arty Froushan wears all black and sits on a white sofa on stage, holding a champagne flute. He has a worried expression.
Claudia Harrison stands near a table on stage. She wears a brown waistcoat and skirt.
Jasper Talbot stands alone on a brightly lit stage. The set is a grand house, with four white pillars at each corner.
Robert Portal wears cream trousers and a grey suit jacket. He sits on stage at a garden table.
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers wears black jeans and layered shirts. She looks off the side, holding a bag on her shoulder.
Jasper Talbot stands alone on stage. He has his hands in his pockets and is dimly lit.
Jasper Talbot wears a brown suit and stands on stage, looking ahead. Arty Froushan, Alistair Nwachukwu, and Leo Suter stand looking at him from behind. The text ‘London 1983’ is projected in orange on the wall.

Rehearsal photos

By Johan Persson

An image gallery with 31 photos
Arty Froushan wears black jeans and a black shirt. He stands, holding a tightly rolled note.
Jasper Talbot wears a blue shirt and blue jeans. He smiles, sitting on a sofa and holding a book.
Matt Mella wears a white vest top and leans back, sitting on a sofa.
Hannah Morrish embraces Charles Edwards. She smiles, and they both hold wine bottles in their hands behind each other’s backs.
Jasper talbot wears a grey jumper and stands closely facing Arty Froushan, who wears a black shirt. Jasper holds a tightly rolled note.
Arty Froushan wears black jeans and a black shirt. He stands facing Jasper Talbot, holding a tightly rolled note out of Jasper’s reach, who wears a grey jumper and blue jeans.
Jasper Talbot wears a grey sweater and blue jeans. He stands with his hands together and laughs, looking at something off camera.
Charles Edwards stands leaning on a wooden box with arm. He is smiling.
Leo Suter wears a white t-shirt and blue jeans and leans against a wall near a bright window.
Alistair Nwachukwu wears a dark teal top and faces Jasper Talbot, who wears a blue shirt. They smile at each other.
Alistair Nwachukwu wears a dark teal top and leans a wooden table with one hand. He turns the dial a radio with the other, looking at Jasper Talbot, who faces him with his back to the camera.
Jasper Talbot and Alistair Nwachukwu lean towards each other from opposite ends of a wooden table.
Alistair Nwachukwu looks over his shoulder at Jasper Talbot, who has his hands on Alistair’s shoulders and smiles at him, standing closely behind him.
Robert Portal wears a navy woolly jumper. He smiles, with his hands together in front of him.
The Line of Beauty company in a rehearsal room. They stand around a wooden table and all face the same direction, looking at something off camera.
Jasper Talbot holds Ellie Bamber. She cries with her head on his shoulder. He has a worried expression.
Jasper Talbot holds Ellie Bamber. She cries with her head on his shoulder. Charles Edwards, Claudia Harrison, Robert Portal and Leo Suter stand around them, looking on with both concern and annoyance.
Charles Edwards and Robert Portal each stand with hand in pocket. They mirror each other, turned away from one another but both looking at something ahead.
Ellie Bamber wears a grey cardigan and blue jeans. She looks up with a worried expression. Claudia Harrison sits next to her on the arm of a sofa. She has her arms around Ellie.
Ellie Bamber looks off to the side. She stands in a rehearsal room, wearing a blacktop, grey cardigan, and blue jeans.
Claudia Harrison wears a white shirt and blue jeans. She gestured with one hand.
Jack Holden, Charles Edwards, and Robert Portal stand in a rehearsal room, in conversation.
Jack Holden wears a grey top and rests his hand on a wooden box. Michael Grandage faces him, wearing a blue shirt. He has his back to the camera.
Sophie Dillon Moniram wears a purple top and light cardigan. She sits at a table, talking to Alistair Nwachukwu and Jasper Talbot, who have their backs to the camera.
TLOB Rehearsal Photo

VIDEOS

CAST & Creatives

  • Cast

    Francesca Amewudah-Rivers
    Headshot of actor Francesca Amewudah-Rivers.
    Francesca Amewudah-Rivers
    Ellie Bamber
    Headshot of actor Ellie Bamber.
    Ellie Bamber
    Doreene Blackstock
    Headshot of actor Doreene Blackstock.
    Doreene Blackstock
    Charles Edwards
    Headshot of actor
    Charles Edwards
    Arty Froushan
    Headshot of actor Arty Froushan.
    Arty Froushan
    Claudia Harrison
    Headshot of actor Claudia Harrison.
    Claudia Harrison
    Matt Mella
    Headshot of actor Matt Mella.
    Matt Mella
    Hannah Morrish
    Headshot of actor Hannah Morrish.
    Hannah Morrish
    Alistair Nwachukwu
    Headshot of actor Alistair Nwachukwu.
    Alistair Nwachukwu
    Robert Portal
    Headshot of actor Robert Portal.
    Robert Portal
    Leo Suter
    Headshot of actor Leo Suter.
    Leo Suter
    Jasper Talbot
    Headshot of actor Jasper Talbot.
    Jasper Talbot

  • Creatives

    Alan Hollinghurst
    Alan Hollinghurst

    Author of Original Novel

    Jack Holden

    Adaptor

    Michael Grandage

    Director

    Christopher Oram

    Set & Costume Designer

    Howard Hudson

    Lighting Designer

    Adam Cork
    Adam Cork

    Sound Designer & Composer

    Ben Wright

    Movement & Intimacy Director

    Sophie Holland CSA

    Casting Director

    Christina McGlynn

    Costume Supervisor

    Carole Hancock

    Hair, Wigs & Make-up

    Sophie Dillon Moniram

    Associate Director

    Bence Baksa

    Associate Designer

    Alfie Heywood

    Associate Designer

Access For All
Exterior of the Almeida Theatre at night with audience members gathered by the entrance doors.

Access Performances

Audio Described Sat 8 Nov 2pm (Touch Tour 12pm)
Captioned Mon 17 Nov 7.30pm
Relaxed Environment Wed 19 Nov 2pm & 7.30pm

For full information about how to book for our access performances please visit our Access For All page.

Access For All

Concessions

All concession tickets are limited and subject to availability. Proof of eligibility is required. Concessions in the final week of performances are only valid on access performances or for Deaf and disabled bookings. More info

Access

Deaf and disabled patrons and a companion can buy discounted tickets by calling the Box Office on 020 7359 4404 or email boxoffice@almeida.co.uk.

25s & Under

£5 tickets will be available to those aged 25 and under for performances from Tue 21 – Mon 27 Oct. Enter code 25UNDER when selecting your seats. £5 Tickets go on sale Wed 1 Oct at 5pm. More info

30s & Under, Over 65s & Unemployed

If you are aged 30 or under, over 65 or are unemployed you can book tickets at a discounted rate. Not applicable on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

Islington First

If you live or work in the Islington area you can book best available seats for £27.50 for performances from Tue 21 – Thu 30 Oct, subject to availability. Enter promo code ISFIRST when selecting your seats. Find applicable postcodes here.

Talks & Events

Talkback
After Thu 6 & Tue 18 Nov performances.
A post-show talk with members of the company. Free to same-day ticket holders.

In Conversation: Jack Holden and Alan Hollinghurst
Friday 7 Nov 5pm
A panel event discussing the adaptation of The Line of Beauty for the stage and what it means to revisit this seminal book in 2025. More info> 

Almeida For Free
Thu 13 Nov 7.30pm
A free performance and festival of events exclusively for those aged 25 and under. More info> 

Kaleidoscope
Sun 16 Nov 4pm
A collection of new work from queer-identifying artists in response to The Line of Beauty. More info>

Production Supporters

The Line of Beauty is supported by Dianne Roberts and The Charlotte Aitken Trust.

CAT Logo

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Artwork photography by Nadav Kander.