Overview

Hampstead Theatre is delighted to announce that this box office smash-hit is transferring to the West End's Duchess Theatre for 50 performances only.

1979. The Winter of Discontent is over and Margaret Thatcher's regime is about to transform the country. Old friends come together in a Kilburn bed-sit.

Loneliness, togetherness, longing, warmth, love... Ecstasy is compassionate, thoughtful and extremely funny.

Mike Leigh, for the first time ever, returns to one of his past plays. He is joined by his regular collaborator and multi award-winning designer Alison Chitty. Leigh is best known for his films, including Happy-Go-Lucky, Vera Drake (winner of the Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival), Topsy-Turvy and Secrets & Lies (winner of the Palm d'Or at Cannes Film Festival).

His relationship with Hampstead Theatre started with his renowned Abigail's Party which premiered in 1977, followed by Ecstasy, Goose-Pimples and Smelling a Rat. His most recent play, Two Thousand Years, was a sell-out success at the National Theatre in 2008. Leigh was recently Oscar nominated for Best Original Screenplay for the critically acclaimed film, Another Year.

Hampstead Theatre has a limited availability of tickets at Hampstead prices. Advanced booking is advised.

Where is the Duchess Theatre? Click here to view a map.

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What the critics say:

'A piece of theatre history' The Times

'This is a notable evening, and a notable work of art *****' What's On Stage

'Heartbreak exists a hair's breadth away from hilarity...Ecstasy delivers on its name' The New York Times

'Spiked with wry comedy ****' Financial Times


'The superlative cast take complete authoritative possession of its world ****' The Independent


'A blazing demonstration of Leighland ****'' The Observer

Running time: 2 hours and 40 minutes including one interval.