Closex
The Fantasticks
The record-setting musical, which played for 42 years in New York tells a troubled love story.
Operated by The Society of London Theatre
The Fantasticks
Duchess Theatre, Catherine Street, LondonAn allegorical story based on Edmond Rostand’s The Romancers, The Fantasticks tells the story of two neighbouring families. In an attempt to force their children to fall in love, the two fathers, knowing that children always want what is forbidden to them, put up a wall between their houses. The cunning plan works, but when the children discover the ruse, they split and leave to experience the wonders of the world, only then realising their true feelings.
Featuring a score by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, The Fantasticks includes songs such as Much more, I Can See It and Try To Remember.
In addition to The Romancers, The Fantasticks draws inspiration from Romeo And Juliet, Pyramus And Thisbe, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and L’Elisir D’Amore.
The Fantasticks first opened in New York in 1960, where it played for 42 years before closing in 2002, making it the longest running musical in history. It has played in over 2,000 cities and towns in the US, and in 67 countries across the globe.
For more about The Fantasticks at the Duchess theatre, read the First Night Feature or The Big Interview with David Burt.
Cast & CreativesEXPAND
director: Amon Miyamoto
music by: Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt
lyrics by: Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt
book By: Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt
lighting designer: Rick Fisher
costume: Nicky Shaw
choreographer: Amon Miyamoto
designer: Rumi Matsui
producer: Kumiko Yoshii for Gorgeous Entertainment, John Gore and Thomas B. McGrath in association with Nica Burns and Max Weitzenhoffer for Nimax Theatres
Ticket Prices:
£20-£49.50
About the show
- Age Suitability: General
- Genre: Musical
- Sub-Genre: Musical-Drama
- Show Times: Mon-Sat 19:45, Mat Wed & Sat 15:00
- Duration: 2h10
- opening night:
- Box Office:
0844 579 1973
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Venue InformationHIDE
Duchess Theatre
Catherine Street, London, United Kingdom, WC2B 5LA
- Nearest tube: Covent Garden (250m)
- Nearest bus: 1, 4, 6, 11, 13, 15, 23, 26, 59, 68, 76, 77A, 91, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341
- Nearest train: Charing Cross (625m)
- Parking: Single yellow lines in Russell Street. NCP in Drury Lane. Taxi rank at Covent Garden Piazza end of Russell Street.
- Air conditioned: 1
- Download an Enabled Map
Venue Access InformationEXPAND
- How to book: Tel: 0207 087 7960 Minicom: 0207 087 7835
- Discounts: available for all disabled people and their companions. Dependent on production, please contact for more details.
- Limited mobility: F1 and F22 in the Stalls have the most leg room. Staff will also try to find suitable seating on the night.
- Access description: One shallow step up from Catherine Street on a slight slope – lower to the right. facing main entrance. 10 steps up to the Dress Circle (3 steep steps between each row). 20 steps down to the Stalls. Staircases have handrails on both sides, and some steps are highlighted. Auditorium open 30 mins prior to performance.
- Hearing impaired: Sennheiser system with 6 headsets. Avoid the first 3 rows in the Stalls and the boxes as the signal is not very strong there.
- Guide dogs policy: Guide dogs are allowed into the auditorium if you are seated in an aisle seat or a box. Staff will also dog-sit in manager’s office for a maximum of 2 guide dogs per performance.
- Wheelchairs: Steps to all parts of the auditorium. Wheelchair users who need to remain in their chairs can use AAT Major stair-climber which lowers chairs to the stalls level, where there are spaces at N1 and N29. Please note, the stair-climber is not stored in site so advance notification is essential. Alternatively, if you are able to transfer from your chair, theatre staff will be able to assist you to any aisle seat in the Dress Circle, which is up 12 steps. Your chair will be stored in a cloakroom by the Stalls. Staff are happy to help. F1 and F22 in the Stalls have the most leg room. Staff will also try to find suitable seating on the night.
- Toilets: Women’s and men’s by Stalls, plus men’s 8 steps up and women’s 17 steps up from the Dress Circle.
- Disabled toilets: One adapted toilet at Stalls. Door opens inwards.
- Bars: 2 licensed bars. Drinks may be brought to disabled customers in the auditorium. No steps from the Box Office into the Foyer Bar, through a set of double doors. There is another bar 3 steps down from the Stalls. Moveable seats.
