Petty Men
No performances this weekend
See this weekend's performancesThings to Know Before You Go
What is Petty Men about?
Petty Men is a contemporary play that riffs on Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, relocating the action to a cramped backstage dressing room. Two understudies, listening to the show relay from the main stage, rehearse, argue and compete for their big break until the lines between performance and reality begin to blur.
Do I need to know Julius Caesar to enjoy the show?
No. Familiarity with Julius Caesar will add extra layers of irony and recognition, but the play is written so that you can follow the story and relationships without knowing the Shakespearean original. It works as a standalone exploration of ambition, power and identity in the theatre world.
How long does Petty Men run?
The performance runs for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes with no interval. It is designed as a tight, continuous piece that keeps the tension and momentum building throughout.
Is Petty Men suitable for younger audiences?
This production is recommended for ages 12 and over. It contains strong language, themes of violence, loud music, haze effects and some adult discussions about ambition and power, which may not be suitable for very young theatregoers.
What kind of atmosphere should I expect?
Expect an intimate, charged atmosphere that starts off playful and funny before tilting into something darker and more psychological. The setting in a shared dressing room makes the audience feel close to the characters, as if eavesdropping on their most vulnerable and competitive moments.
Where is Petty Men performed?
Petty Men is staged at the Arcola Theatre in Dalston, East London, a venue known for bold new writing and inventive, small-scale productions. The studio environment suits the play's backstage setting and intense, up-close style of performance.
About this show
A tense, funny and quietly unsettling new play, Petty Men takes Shakespeare's Julius Caesar off the forum and into a cramped backstage dressing room, where two understudies are left alone with the show relay and their own ambitions. As they rehearse, bicker and try to outdo each other, the familiar lines begin to blur with their real fears about power, loyalty and what they are willing to sacrifice for a chance in the spotlight. Two understudies locked in competition and doubt gradually find that the roles they are playing seep into their lives, until it is no longer clear where performance ends and reality begins. The result is a sharp, contemporary reflection on power and identity for anyone who has ever wondered how far they might go if the curtain finally rose on their big chance.
Other plays next weekend
The Mousetrap
Othello
The Play That Goes Wrong
