Fences

Fences description

Fences by August Wilson explores family, ambition, racism, and the differences between generations. 

Love powerful drama? Fences is widely regarded as one of the greatest-ever American plays. This acclaimed 1985 landmark drama hits the stage at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre for autumn 2026. A hard-hitting new production awaits you, directed by Daniel Bailey who gave us Red Pitch, and it's being billed as deeply funny, moving, and human. 

This is the sixth in Wilson's ten-part Pittsburgh Cycle, which explores the African-American experience. Winner of the 1987 Tony for Best Play, it is also a member of the Harold Bloom list of 'essential works constituting the Western Canon'. Originally premiering at the USA's Yale Repertory Theatre in 1985, it fast became a hit and the award-nominated movie version, directed by and starring Denzel Washington, came out in 2016. 

A Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, it looks at themes of family, ambition, missed chances, and the walls we build around the people we love. The action is set in Pittsburgh, USA during the 1950s. We meet the ex-baseball player Troy Maxson whose dreams, which were never truly realised, still affect his relationships. As he battles to hold the family together and provide for them, the tensions between him and his wife Rose grow. So do those between the parents and their teen son Cory, who wants more than his dad ever managed to achieve. He's dead set on a career in football but his dad doesn't think he has what it takes. 

Humour, heartache and potent social commentary that's just as relevant today mark this wonderful piece of drama. Joining the Director Daniel Bailey are the Set and Costume Designer Lily Arnold, Composer and Sound Designer Khalil Madovi, and Lighting Designer Jai Morjaria. The creative team is completed by Movement Director Shelley Maxwell, Fight Director Kev McCurdy, Design Associate Emily King and
Casting Director Heather Basten CDG.

Buy Fences tickets to be transported to a different time and place, observing one family's descent into disaster. 

Playing at Lyric Hammersmith

King Street, Lyric Square, London, W6 0QL GB (venue info)

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Fences cheap tickets