Production images have been released for Manfred Karge’s Man to Man, which is currently running at the Royal Court Theatre until 24 October 2026.
The production marks Tilda Swinton’s return to the stage in the role of Ella/Max, more than three decades after she first appeared in Stephen Unwin’s acclaimed production at the Traverse Theatre and Royal Court Theatre in 1987. It is also her first live theatre performance since that original production.
Translated from German by Anthony Vivis and revised by Stephen Unwin, the production reunites key members of the original creative team, including director Stephen Unwin, designer Bunny Christie and lighting designer Ben Ormerod.
Set in 1930s Germany, Man to Man follows a woman who assumes her dead husband’s identity in order to survive. As war, dictatorship, deprivation and social upheaval unfold around her, she remains determined to endure against extraordinary odds.
The production forms part of the Royal Court Theatre’s 70th anniversary season and will continue its journey after the London run with a transfer to the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, where the UK premiere was originally staged before moving to London in 1987.
Following its Edinburgh engagement, the production will transfer to the Berliner Ensemble, the artistic home of playwright Manfred Karge, with performances beginning in February 2027.
A subsequent New York season is planned for spring 2027, with further details to be announced.
The wider creative team includes sound designer Elena Peña, projection designer Matt Powell, movement director Kane Husbands, design associate Verity Sadler, props supervisor Lily Mollgaard, associate director Eleanor Burke and voice coach Hazel Holder.
The Royal Court run continues at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs until 24 October, with the Edinburgh transfer scheduled to run from 29 October to 7 November 2026.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
