Afterbirth

Afterbirth

Royal Court Theatre

  • Opens: Saturday, 15 January 2028 -
    Booking until: Saturday, 26 February 2028

Afterbirth description

Afterbirth is a new play by Nina Segal about the disorienting reality of life after giving birth, starring Oscar winner Jessie Buckley.

The baby is fine. The birth was fine. Annie is fine; she is really, really, really fine. Afterbirth follows what happens once the birth is over, the part that the play suggests people tend to forget: "People think the birth's the end of it. The hard part. But there's all the rest." The Royal Court describes the play as a funny, furious and unflinching story.

The production is a world premiere in the Royal Court Theatre's Jerwood Theatre Downstairs. It began as an English Touring Theatre commission supported by the Royal Court and was developed through the Royal Court's Genesis Next Generation Programme. It is presented by the Royal Court Theatre and English Touring Theatre in association with Brian & Dayna Lee. The play deals with childbirth, birth trauma and postnatal mental health.

Nina Segal is an Associate Playwright at the Royal Court Theatre, and her earlier plays include Cow|Deer and Antigone Exits. The production is directed by Maria Aberg, with set and costume design by Rosanna Vize, whose credits include The Other Place.

Jessie Buckley leads the cast. She won an Oscar for the film Hamnet and an Olivier Award for playing Sally Bowles in the West End revival of Cabaret.

Book now to see Jessie Buckley in a new play about everything that comes after the birth.

Playing at Royal Court Theatre

Sloane Square, London, SW1W 8AS GB (venue info)

Royal Court Theatre Directions

Age restrictions

Ages 14+.

Important information

Contains discussion of childbirth, birth trauma, postnatal mental health and suicidal ideation.