The comfort of a marriage, or the call of passion and freedom from the past? Henrik Ibsen’s classic play The Lady from the Sea, in visionary director Simon Stone’s (Yerma, Phaedra) modern adaptation, is staged at the Bridge Theatre and invites the audience to a tense exploration of desire, loss, and rebirth.
The most striking aspect of this production is its magnificent cast. Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl, Ex Machina) leads the play, joined by stars Joe Alwyn (Conversations with Friends) and Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead), returning to the London stage after many years.
The story centers on Ellida, who fears settling into a comfortable life married to a well-off doctor. As she searches for ways to break the predictable routine of her existence, the sudden appearance of a former lover at their remote country house forces her to confront that painful choice that will change her life: the life she has built now, or the one she thought she had left behind?
Simon Stone’s sharp approach to the text turns the play into a powerful modern drama. With its handling of sensitive themes such as strong language, sexual content, child loss, infertility, and death, the production is suitable for audiences aged 15 and over.
This shattering drama began on September 10 and can be seen at the Bridge Theatre until November 8, 2025. Especially with weekend performances selling out quickly, those who want to witness Ellida’s search for identity and freedom should secure their tickets early.
Play Information Summary
- Director and Writer: Simon Stone (adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s work)
- Lead Roles: Alicia Vikander, Andrew Lincoln, Joe Alwyn
- Venue: Bridge Theatre, London
- Dates: Continues until November 8, 2025
- Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes (including one interval)
- Age Restriction: 15+
