Les Liaisons Dangereuses
Lyttelton - National Theatre
- Opens: Saturday, 21 March 2026 -
Booking until: Saturday, 6 June 2026
Les Liaisons Dangereuses description
Explore love and power with Les Liaisons Dangereuses, adapted by Christopher Hampton.
Based on the novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, Les Liaisons Dangereuses is set in France before the French Revolution. Delving deep into the ruthless games the aristocracy play to win love and power, the story is told through letters exchanged between the characters. It's still heady stuff. You can see why it shocked audiences at the time and still resonates with its dark wit and complex psychology. Times change, human nature doesn't.
To the super-rich of the time, patriarchy meant power. You'd live or die on your reputation. If you were female, the smallest mistake could cost you everything. In this place and time, it is crucial to succeed in social warfare. Meet Marquise de Merteuil, a survivor who controls her world despite everything. Collaborating with Vicomte de Valmont, the pair transforms seduction into a strategy and weaponises lust. But can a toxic relationship like this survive, or will rivalry spoil everything?
Marianne Elliott (Angels in America) directs Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread, numerous TV series) and Aidan Turner (Rivals, Poldark) in her first National production for nine years. Monica Barbaro plays Madame de Tourvel and Gabrielle Drake plays Madame de Rosemonde, with Sharif Afifi as Azolan. Nandi Bhebhe is Julie, Ali Goldsmith is Major Domo, Darragh Hand is Chevalier Danceny, Cat Simmons plays Madame de Volanges and Hannah van der Westhuysen is Cécile Volanges.
The set designer is Rosanna Vize, costume designer is Natalie Roar, and the choreographer is Tom Jackson Greaves. The composer Jasmin Kent Rodgman, lighting designer James Farncombe, sound designer Ian Dickson for Autograph and intimacy director Ingrid Mackinnon join fight director Sam Lyon-Behan, casting directors Alastair Coomer and Naomi Downham, dialect coach Hazel Holder and voice coach Cathleen McCarron.
Some say it might be one of the year's theatre highlights. Get Les Liaisons Dangereuses tickets while you can!
Playing at Lyttelton - National Theatre
Important information
This production contains depictions of a sexual assault and grooming, sexual references and reference to baby loss. This production contains strong language, violence, flashing lights, haze.