Kyoto (play)
| Kyoto | |
|---|---|
 West End Promotional Poster | |
| Written by | Joe Robertson Joe Murphy |
| Based on | Kyoto Protocol |
| Date premiered | 18 June 2024 |
| Place premiered | Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon |
| Genre | Political Drama |
Kyoto is a play by Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson, produced and acted by Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and Good Chance originally in Swan Theatre in 2024, then @sohoplace in 2025.
The play dramatizes how Big Oil, having learned about the risk of climate change, use legal tricks and misinformation through their representative Don Pearlman in an attempt to protect their profits. Through the determination of key representatives agreement is reached – the Kyoto Protocol.
Production history
Stratford-upon-Avon (2024)
The play was presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company and Good Chance. The world premiere was at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon running from 18 June until 13 July 2024 (with a press night on 25 June). The play was directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin.[1][2]
West End (2025)
Following the success of the Stratford-upon Avon run, the production transferred to London's West End at @sohoplace running from 9 January to 3 May 2025 (with a press night on 16 January).[3][4]
Off-Broadway (2025)
The play is scheduled to make it's North American debut Off-Broadway at Lincoln Center's Mitzi E. Newhouse Theatre. The show is expected to begin performances from 8 October 2025 with an opening night scheduled for 3 November. The production is scheduled to run through 30 November. Casting is expected to include Stephen Kunken (reprising his role from London) as Don Pearlman. Also joining him from the London cast are Jorge Bosch as Raul Estrada and Ferdy Roberts as John Prescott.[5] Joining the company are Natalie Gold as Shirley Pearlman, Peter Bradbury as Fred Singer, Kate Burton as USA, and Daniel Jenkins as Bert Bolin and others.[6]
Cast and characters
| Character | Stratford-upon-Avon[7] | West End[8] |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2025 | |
| Don Pearlman | Stephen Kunken | |
| Shirley Pearlman | Jenna Augen | |
| Raul Estrada | Jorge Bosch | |
| Fred Singer | Vincent Franklin | Duncan Wisbey |
| Bert Bolin | Dale Rapley | |
| Secretariat | Olivia Barrowclough | |
| Kiribati | Andrea Gatchalian | |
| Germany - Angela Merkel | Ingrid Oliver | Kristin Atherton |
| Saudi Arabia | Raad Rawi | |
| China | Kwong Loke | |
| Tanzania | Jude Akuwudike | Aïcha Kossoko |
| USA | Nancy Crane | |
| UK - John Prescott | Ferdy Roberts | |
| Japan | Togo Igawa | |
There were many delegates[9] at COP3, two are specifically identified in the play.
References
- ^ Lawson, Mark (25 June 2024). "Kyoto review – 1997 protocol on climate crisis fuels gripping theatre at the RSC". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
- ^ "Kyoto review – sheer theatrical magic in the RSC's Swan Theatre". 26 June 2024. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
- ^ "RSC's Kyoto to transfer to @sohoplace theatre in London | West End Theatre". www.westendtheatre.com. 2 October 2024. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
- ^ "Kyoto reviews at @Sohoplace Theatre in London | West End Theatre". www.westendtheatre.com. 26 January 2025. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
- ^ Russo, Gillian (7 August 2025). "'Kyoto' sets complete Off-Broadway cast". New York Theatre Guide. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Kyoto US cast announced | Royal Shakespeare Company". www.rsc.org.uk. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Latest Press Releases | Royal Shakespeare Company". www.rsc.org.uk. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
- ^ "Cast and creatives | Kyoto | Royal Shakespeare Company". www.rsc.org.uk. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
- ^ "COP3 Kyoto delegate list | Official website of COP3" (PDF). unfccc.int. Retrieved 19 March 2025.