The Arcola Theatre is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking reimagining of Simon Stephens’ acclaimed play, “Heisenberg.” Directed by Katharine Farmer, this production, running from April 9th to May 10th, 2025, offers a fresh, queer perspective on a beloved story of love, identity, and the unpredictable nature of human connection. Press night is set for Monday, April 14th, at 7 pm.
Ten years after its original debut, “Heisenberg” returns, transformed by Katharine Farmer’s visionary direction. Known for her “taut direction” and ability to build “a sense of sickly, foreboding paranoia” (The Stage), Farmer reimagines this intimate two-person narrative as a poignant exploration of a queer female relationship.
In this reimagined world, the bustling St. Pancras train station becomes the backdrop for an unexpected encounter. Georgie, a vibrant and impulsive young woman, shares a fleeting, yet profound, moment with Alex, a reserved 70-year-old woman. When Georgie unexpectedly re-enters Alex’s life, the older woman’s carefully ordered world is turned upside down, blossoming into a chaotic yet exhilarating journey of discovery.
This production boldly challenges heteronormative expectations, stripping away traditional power dynamics to delve into the raw, unfiltered essence of human interaction. Starring Olivier Award-winner Jenny Galloway (Mamma Mia, Les Misérables) and Faline England (9-1-1), this female-led cast brings a powerful authenticity to the stage, illuminating the universal themes of identity, loneliness, and the ever-shifting landscape of love.
Director Katharine Farmer shares her vision: “In reimagining this intimate story for 2025, I wanted to move beyond previous heteronormative interpretations, including my own. By recasting Georgie and Alex as two women, we uncover something more fundamental about human connection. The uncertainty principle at the heart of ‘Heisenberg’ takes on new resonance when viewed through the lens of queer love, which has historically thrived in spaces of ambiguity and possibility. When Georgie speaks of the unpredictability of observation, it reflects not just quantum physics, but the thrilling, and sometimes terrifying, uncertainty of getting to know another person. Through this queer lens, we hope to expand the play’s exploration of how people can surprise, challenge, and ultimately transform each other.”
Katharine Farmer, Artistic Associate at Arcola Theatre and founder of Blue Touch Paper Productions, brings a wealth of experience to this production. Renowned for her emotionally rich storytelling, her previous work includes the award-winning “Gulf View Drive” and critically acclaimed UK productions like “23.5 Hours” and “Never Not Once.”
Simon Stephens, the celebrated playwright behind “Heisenberg,” is known for his powerful and moving works, including “Bluebird,” “Punk Rock,” and the Tony Award-winning adaptation of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.”
Join us at the Arcola Theatre for a transformative theatrical experience that redefines “Heisenberg” for a new era.
Production Details:
- Playwright: Simon Stephens
- Director: Katharine Farmer
- Cast: Jenny Galloway, Faline England
- Dates: April 9th – May 10th, 2025
- Press Night: Monday, April 14th, 7 pm
- Venue: Arcola Theatre
- Website: www.arcolatheatre.com
- Social Media: Instagram: @arcolatheatre | Bluesky: @arcolatheatre.bluesky.social
