The Children's Hour

Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton Street, London

Lillian Hellman's 1934 play The Children's Hour is set in a boarding school in 1930s New England run by two women, Karen Wright and Martha Dobie. When a student runs away from the school, they become entangled in a story of deceit, shame and courage.

A potent exploration of a culture of fear, The Children's Hour was banned in several cities in America and also in London, though it did receive its UK premiere there in 1936.

This production of The Children's Hour stars Keira Knightley and Elisabeth Moss as Karen and Martha. Knightley, who made her West End debut in The Misanthrope last year, is known the world over for her films, which include Atonement, The Pirates Of The Caribbean trilogy, Pride And Prejudice, Bend It Like Beckham and new release Never Let Me Go. Moss is an American actress who stars in the popular drama Mad Men and was previously seen in The West Wing. She appeared on Broadway in 2008 in Speed-The-Plow.

The Children's Hour director Ian Rickson is the former Artistic Director of the Royal Court whose vast career includes recent hit play Jerusalem.

For more about The Children's Hour at the Comedy theatre read the First Night Feature or the Big Interview with Ellen Burstyn.

Cast & CreativesEXPAND

cast: Keira Knightley, Elisabeth Moss, Ellen Burstyn, Carol Kane, Bryony Hannah, Tobias Menzies, Nancy Crane, Amy Dawson, Isabel Ellison, Eve Ponsonby, Marama Corlett, Lisa Blackwell, Isabella Brazier-Jones, Poppy Carter, Nathan Nolan

author: Lillian Hellman

director: Ian Rickson

music by: Stephen Warbeck

producer: Sonia Friedman Productions & Scott Landis

designer: Mark Thompson

lighting designer: Neil Austin

sound: Paul Groothius

Ticket Prices:
£15-£60

About the show
  • Age Suitability: General
  • Genre: Play
  • Sub-Genre: Play-Drama
  • Show Times: Mon-Sat 19:30, Wed & Sat 14:30 (no mat 26 Jan & 9 Feb), 8 Feb 14:30
  • Duration: 2h30
  • opening night:
  • Box Office:
    0844 871 7622
  • Visit the Show Website

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Venue InformationHIDE

Harold Pinter Theatre
Panton Street, London, United Kingdom, SW1Y 4DN

  • Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus (225m)
  • Nearest bus: 3, 6, 9, 12, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 24, 29, 38, 88, 91, 94, 139, 159, 176, 453
  • Parking: Westminter City Council car park at Whitcomb Street. NCP at Denman Street.
  • Air conditioned: 1
  • Download an Enabled Map

Venue Access InformationEXPAND

  • How to book: Tel: 0871 297 5477 Fax: 020 8544 7488
  • Discounts: Discounts vary according to production. Concessions may be available (Please enquire at time of booking).
  • Limited mobility: Row A and seats N1, N21, L1, L21, D1, D22 in the stalls and Boxes C & D have the most leg room.
  • Access description: Level access from street to Dress circle via ramp at the entrance and level platform to seats.2 steps up to double doors opening into the foyer. All stairs are highlighted and have handrails on both sides. No steps from the foyer to the back of the Dress Circle (2 steps between rows). 24 steps down from the foyer to the Stalls, 23 steps up from the foyer to the Royal Circle (with 2 steep steps between rows) and 50 steps up to the Balcony.
  • Hearing impaired: Infra-red system with 6 headsets. Headsets available from the Duty Manager. You will be asked to leave a credit card or a £10 deposit. Portable loop available in Box Office.
  • Guide dogs policy: Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome at the Comedy Theatre. They can stay with you during the performances, however, you must inform the Box Office when booking your tickets and a seat on the aisle can be reserved for you. Alternatively, a member of staff will care for your dog during the performance.
  • Wheelchairs: 4 wheelchair spaces in Dress Circle. 2 transfer seats in E5 and E17
  • Toilets: There is no adapted toilet. It may be possible to use the toilet on the left-hand side of the auditorium, down 6 steps via a ramp and through 2 doorways, approx. 64cm wide. Women’s and men’s at Stalls, Royal Circle and Balcony. Please note, the men's toilet on the Royal Circle level is only accessible via 13 steps up from the Royal Circle Bar.
  • Disabled toilets: No adapted toilet.
  • Bars: 3 licensed bars. No steps from the back of the Dress Circle to the foyer bar (no seating). Drinks brought to disabled customers in the auditorium. More bars at the rear of the Stalls, at Royal Circle and at Balcony.