Grace Pervades
Theatre Royal Bath Productions, Len Blavatnik and Danny Cohen for Access Entertainment and Second Half Productions are delighted to announce that Ralph Fiennes and Miranda Raison are to star in a limited West End season of David Hare’s GRACE PERVADES at Theatre Royal Haymarket from April 2026.
The play, directed by Jeremy Herrin, tells the extraordinary story of Henry Irving and Ellen Terry, the greatest stars of the Victorian stage, and Ellen’s troubled and brilliant children - Edith Craig and Edward Gordon Craig – who made their own profound contribution to the development of British theatre.
Alongside Director Jeremy Herrin, the creative team includes Set Designer Bob Crowley, Costume Designer Fotini Dimou, Lighting Designer Peter Mumford, Sound Designer Elizabeth Purnell, Composer Paul Englishby, Casting Director Jessica Ronane CDG, Associate Director Joe Lichtenstein, and Movement Director Lucy Cullingford.
Audience Latest Reviews
Reviews Summary based on 58 reviews
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The cast proves that acting is an exacting skill! The acting was mesmerizing especially with the ever so subtle costume changes.
The casting was just right so everything was pretty perfect.
Our enjoyment of the show was disturbed by three American women who insisted on turning their hand held fans on in the middle of one of Ralph Fiennes’ intense moments. It annoyed the others but no one said anything until a lady asked them to switch those damn things off! But the magic was lost after that!
Vera, 26 Jun 2026
A must see! Exceptional acting by both main characters, well supported by the others Even if you have never heard of the Henry Irving , the Victorian actor played by R.Fiennes, the role seems to have been created for him, and Miranda Raison is an excellent counterpart.
The staging is very clever, with the change of backdrops on a big screen behind..
Very interesting parallel between the actual story back in the early 19th century, and later on as Ellen Terry gets older..
Michelle, 24 Jun 2026
Very interesting historical genre with a good deal of comedy. Very entertaining, and a worthwhile watch. Humorous and a great insight in to work/pleasure; which is most important?
Robert, 21 Jun 2026
Outstanding Superb from Fiennes and Raison - special mention for Ellen Terry’s daughter too. Don’t mission theatre of genuine substance. Roll on The Oliviers!
Paul, 19 Jun 2026
A Tad Difficult to settle Into I wish that David Hare had created a play that was easier to follow in the first half. The second half was more engaging. The actors were very good.
Bev, 18 Jun 2026
Best show I saw in years This was awesome, the acting was superb and the plot was great. Timeless and touching, highly recommend!
Maria, 17 Jun 2026
Ralph is wonderful A great night out watching the two leads perform wonderfully.
A touching story delivered with much wit
Barbara, 14 Jun 2026
Unnecessary It was fun to watch Fiennes. Radison was truly exceptionel. The play had some witty lines, but was pretentious and unnecessary.
Kjetil, 13 Jun 2026
Stage presence Powerful performances from all, particularly the leads
Alan, 13 Jun 2026
TOP NOTCH a CLASSIC! had all the good elements & ingredients one expects from a serious WEST PLAY. DRAMA students must see!
David, 04 Jun 2026
A London Nught Out The play didn’t appear to have a point. Was it a bio-pic, a vehicle for two celebrity actors, a comedy or some sort of drama? Contrast it with “The Dresser” a play also about actors but one with a very real theme and purpose. This one meandered and the narratives and playing about in different times, just didn’t help the structure. The best part was the Shakespearean quotes. Then everything really came to life. But it gave us lots to discuss.
Anthony, 02 Jun 2026
Exquisite acting, subtle timing and an engaging tale combine to make this a WINNER This play is terrific. The actors and story invite the audience to engage with and celebrate the extraordinary combination of superb acting, directing, writing and scene-setting. I truly loved the production and came away just delighted that the only show I will see on this foreshortened visit to London is this one. Grace Pervades the heat and now my memories of West End Theatre done right. Congratulations to the whole troop!
Michael, 01 Jun 2026
effective, pleasant, often humorous I was surprised by how much humor there is in the play. The actors, especially the two main characters, are wonderful. It was worth seeing just for their acting.
Andrea, 29 May 2026
Timeless Creative production and beautiful casting
Clever dialogue that rings so true
Ann, 22 May 2026
Pure joy Amazing to every detail!
Elizaveta, 16 May 2026
Superb acting from all and wonderful dialogue, most professional This was a classy play with superb actors,, I loved both the main stars and the others, no disappointments at all, I could see it again and again.
Linda, 16 May 2026
Reminds us why we love theatre! Riveting acting from Ralph Fiennes and Miranda Raison. Their presence carried the storyline and made the experience enjoyable. The backdrop and costumes were beautifully crafted, making this a play that ticked all the right boxes. Do not miss it!
Madhana, 16 May 2026
Spiritual hours Well where to start. The acting was as expected superbly believable. The story….takes some thinking so much to take in. I knew nothing about these people. English history told with depth left me with the need to discover so much more about these characters who moved theatre so many years afo
Caroline, 12 May 2026
A quality production An education of late 19th Century Theatre
John, 11 May 2026
Today’s No-Brainer: don’t miss this one! There are West End shows, and and then there are realWest End shows. Fiennes and Raison have taken a brand new play by David HARE and established it as a “ keeper”. What a wonderful 2 1/2 hours. The supporting cast were excellent, the scene and costume changes were seamless. It is so much fun to sit in the audience and watch masters create a narrative that one could care about.
Billie Anne, 06 May 2026
A little slow. I was looking forward to this show. The actors weee excellent but I found the story and a bit choppy.
Patricia, 05 May 2026
Brilliant actors playing…brilliant actors! If you love the theatre , and the lives of Henry Irving and Ellen Terry interest you, don’t miss this show. Their history is brought to life by an excellent cast, in strong and sympathetic portrayals. Often funny, always touching. We were in cheaper seats, so we brought little binoculars and were glad we did. Hats off to cast and crew!
Leslie, 04 May 2026
Mr Fiennes never disappoints I am a little bit biased when it comes to Ralph Fiennes, he has been my favourite actor since the first time I saw him in The English Patient.
Despite being Hollywood serious royalty, I think he's best when on hometurf, on a stage. Simply charismatic, he literally fills in the space available.
We need more of him in this kind of role.
Leila, 03 May 2026
An actor's play Great acting, interesting storyline, based on real theatre people. Love the scene changes.
Elysia, 01 May 2026
Remarkable The show was fantastic. The story very interesting and Ralph Fiennes was superb.
Ana María, 26 Apr 2026
Great performance to know about Theater. Great Ralph Fiennes playing his character.Phisically he creates the illusion of Henry Irving on stage.
Rosario, 26 Apr 2026
