The new play “Grace Pervades” by David Hare, featuring Ralph Fiennes, will premiere in London’s West End at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from April 24 to July 11, 2026. This production, which marks the play’s West End debut, highlights the story of the Victorian theatre icons Henry Irving and Ellen Terry, with Fiennes cast as Irving.
Overview of the Grace Pervades Production
“Grace Pervades” first premiered at the Theatre Royal Bath in June and July 2025 before securing its London run. Alongside Ralph Fiennes, Miranda Raison plays Ellen Terry, reprising her role from the original cast. The production is directed by Jeremy Herrin and co-produced by Second Half Productions, Theatre Royal Bath Productions, and Access Entertainment, backed by Len Blavatnik and Danny Cohen.
The Bath ensemble featured a wide-ranging cast including Sharif Afifi, Tom Kanji, Harriet Leitch, Ashley McGuire, Jordan Metcalfe, Jo Mousley, Damian Myerscough, Guy Paul, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis, Saskia Strallen, and Kathryn Wilder. The full West End cast will be announced in due course.
Creative Team and Artistic Vision
The creative team behind “Grace Pervades” includes renowned industry professionals: set design by Bob Crowley, costumes by Fotini Dimou, lighting handled by Peter Mumford, sound design by Elizabeth Purnell, and original music composed by Paul Englishby. The casting director is Jessica Ronane CDG, with Joe Lichtenstein as associate director and Lucy Cullingford serving as movement director.
Plot and Historical Significance
The play explores the exceptional lives of Henry Irving and Ellen Terry, the most celebrated figures of the Victorian stage, along with Ellen’s children Edith Craig and Edward Gordon Craig, who significantly influenced British theatre development. Ralph Fiennes’ portrayal of Henry Irving adds a distinguished presence to the narrative, which reflects on the family’s artistic legacy and its lasting impact on theatre history.
Season Highlights Featuring Ralph Fiennes
“Grace Pervades” is part of a special 2025 season curated by Ralph Fiennes, which includes Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” featuring Gloria Obianyo as Rosalind and Harriet Walter as Jaques, both critically acclaimed actors. The season will conclude with “Small Hotel,” a new play by Oscar-winning writer Rebecca Lenkiewicz, also starring Fiennes.
Ticket Information and Upcoming Announcements
Tickets for “Grace Pervades” will be available starting Friday, September 26, at 10 a.m. The production’s arrival in the West End offers theatre enthusiasts an opportunity to engage with this reflective and evocative portrayal of theatrical giants, promising a rich and meaningful experience.
This West End debut not only continues David Hare’s distinguished career but also reinforces Ralph Fiennes’ ongoing contribution to London theatre as both actor and director, enhancing the cultural landscape with thoughtful and powerful storytelling.
“Grace Pervades is part of a three-production season for 2025 programmed by actor and director Ralph Fiennes.” – Source
