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Withnail and I' artwork. The words 'Withnail and I' are scrawled in capitals with a blotchy dark brown fountain pen onto a white piece of paper. The paper is stained with both dried and wet red wine. There is a cork on the paper which says 'By Bruce Robinson. Directed by Sean Foley'. To the left of the title is the handwritten 'we've gone on holiday by mistake'.

Withnail and I

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Cult classic becomes an astonishing, rapier-sharp stage comedy”
★★★★ WhatsOnStage

Birmingham Rep presents the premiere of a new stage adaptation by Bruce Robinson of the iconic comedy Withnail and I.

Regarded as one of the finest British films ever made, this Rep Original comedy is written by its original creator, the legendary Bruce Robinson, and directed by The Rep’s Artistic Director, double Olivier award-winner, Sean Foley.

Manic fun… spot on.
★★★ The Times

London, September 1969, the sixties are in full swing, rock ’n’ roll has electrified a generation, and bohemianism rules.

But, away from the bright lights two young unemployed actors, the flamboyant, boozy Withnail, and the shy, contemplative Marwood live in utter squalor in a flat in Camden Town, praying for a job.

Not to be missed!”
★★★★ Culture Bab

Their only visitor is their drug dealer, Danny; their only expeditions are to the local pubs; and their only friends each other.

Needing a break from the positively atrocious state of their acting careers, they hit upon the idea of a holiday in the country, and borrow the cottage owned by Withnail’s wealthy Uncle Monty. Will escaping London reinvigorate their addled brains and kick start their professional fortunes?…

An entertaining and well-crafted show
★★★ Birmingham Live

Hilarious, tragic, and wild, Withnail and I, is a comedy like no other. This stage adaptation brings to life the classic dialogue, the insane situations, and above all the boozy, irresistibly hilarious relationship of one of the most famous slacker duos ever created.

Presented by

Birmingham Rep, Handmade Films and George Waud for Groove International

Based on

the film Withnail and I, written and directed by Bruce Robinson, produced by Handmade Films

Written by

Bruce Robinson

Directed by

Sean Foley

Designed by

Alice Power

Price

From £19.50

Age Guidance

14+

Please note, no under 5s will be admitted to the auditorium.

Content Advice

Please note, this production contains strong language, including racist terms and homophobic references, and scenes of drug/alcohol use and smoking.

Running Time

Approximately 2 hrs 15 mins including a 20 minute interval.

Access Performances

Audio Described: Sat 25 May 2.30pm (described by Carolyn Smith)

A Free Touch Tour is available to book before the Audio Described performance. 

BSL Interpreted: Wed 15 May 7.30pm (interpreted by Karen Ward-Welch).

Captioned: Tue 21 May 7.30pm (captioned by Cara Lawless)

Relaxed: Mon 20 May 7.30pm

Download a free Access Pack for Withnail and I

Post Show Talk

A post show talk with The Rep’s Artistic Director Sean Foley will take place after the performance on Tue 21 May, 7.30pm.

Please note, the post show talk will not be captioned.

Special Offers

3 for 2: Add 3 shows into your basket and at checkout enjoy 33% off each production for selected productionsT&Cs apply – Find Out More

Teens Go Free: Receive one complimentary young persons ticket (13-19 years) when you book one standard ticket for selected productions. Discount will be applied automatically at checkout when you add both tickets to your basket. T&Cs apply – Find Out More

Fees & Charges

Venue

The House

Upgrade to Chesterfield Seats

Want to feel like you too could hop in the MkII and go on holiday by mistake? Then, take your seat in one of our five Chesterfield sofas, with seating for up to two for a performance of Withnail and I.

Situated at the very front of our auditorium, this unique experience will give you a front row couch to soak up all the action, and a choice of hospitality packages.

Experiences start from £80.

Find out more.

BOOK CHESTERFIELD SEAT EXPERIENCE

Audience Reactions

In the rehearsal room...

Cast

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