Oscar-winner Susan Sarandon will star alongside Andrea Riseborough in the London premiere of Tracy Letts’ acclaimed play Mary Page Marlowe, marking Sarandon’s first UK stage appearance and Matthew Warchus’ final season directing at the Old Vic.
Susan Sarandon, the acclaimed Oscar-winning actress, is set to make her UK theatre debut in the highly anticipated production of Tracy Letts’ play Mary Page Marlowe at London’s historic Old Vic Theatre this autumn. The run will take place from 23 September to 1 November, marking a significant milestone in Sarandon’s illustrious career, which has so far encompassed film and Broadway but notably not British stages. Sharing the limelight with her will be Oscar-nominated Andrea Riseborough, who returns to the theatre after a 15-year hiatus. Both actresses will portray the title character, Mary Page Marlowe, at different ages spanning seven decades, with additional casting to be announced.
The play itself, described as a “vivid, time-jumping mosaic of one woman’s life,” explores the complexities and nuances of Mary’s experiences through fragmented yet deeply connected moments. This poignant examination of identity and memory is the work of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tracy Letts, known for his compelling narratives and richly drawn characters. Sarandon expressed a mix of nervousness and excitement about the role, saying she feels “terrified but excited” to be part of Matthew Warchus’ final season as artistic director at the Old Vic. Warchus, who is directing the production, described the play as a sensational start to his farewell season and shared his enthusiasm for the immersive in-the-round staging, which will envelop the audience in a 360-degree experience within the 200-year-old auditorium, newly transformed for this production.
Riseborough voiced her gratitude for the opportunity to work with Warchus again and her excitement to bring Letts’ work to life at the revered venue. She pointed out the honour of portraying multiple facets of Mary’s life alongside Sarandon, highlighting the depth and emotional range demanded by the role. The innovative nature of the staging, combined with the complex character journey, promises a deeply engaging theatrical experience.
Mary Page Marlowe first premiered at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre in 2016 before moving off-Broadway in 2018, where it was met with critical acclaim. Previous productions featured six actresses portraying Mary at various life stages, each bringing a unique dimension to her story. Reviews have praised the play’s elegant structure and emotional power, citing its episodic snapshots that together reveal the full portrait of a woman’s life. The piece has been noted for its ability to evoke deep empathy and reflection, showcasing ordinary moments imbued with extraordinary significance.
The Old Vic’s production will retain this multi-stage portrayal, emphasising the passage of time and the fluidity of identity. The play’s themes resonate with universal questions about memory, choice, and self-understanding, offering audiences a rich tapestry of lived experience that defies a traditional linear narrative. This UK staging not only marks a career highlight for Sarandon and the return of Riseborough to theatre but also adds to the growing appreciation of Tracy Letts’ insightful dramaturgy on both sides of the Atlantic.
Tickets for the production are now on sale to members, with general sales opening from midday on Friday. The excitement surrounding this staging is palpable, promising a landmark event in London’s 2025 theatrical calendar.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative is fresh, with the earliest known publication date being June 30, 2025. The report is based on a press release from The Old Vic Theatre, which typically warrants a high freshness score. The content has been republished across reputable outlets, including BroadwayWorld and Whatsonstage, indicating wide dissemination. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative includes updated data about ticket sales opening on July 4, 2025, just days before the current date, further enhancing its freshness. ([broadwayworld.com](https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Susan-Sarandon-to-Make-London-Stage-Debut-with-Andrea-Riseborough-Tracy-Letts-MARY-PAGE-MARLOWE-20250630?utm_source=openai), [whatsonstage.com](https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/susan-sarandon-and-andrea-riseborough-to-star-in-tracy-letts-mary-page-marlowe-in-london_1685137/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Susan Sarandon, Andrea Riseborough, and Matthew Warchus are unique to this report, with no identical matches found in earlier material. This suggests potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Old Vic Theatre, a reputable organisation. The report has been covered by established outlets such as BroadwayWorld and Whatsonstage, further confirming its reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about Susan Sarandon and Andrea Riseborough starring in Tracy Letts’ ‘Mary Page Marlowe’ at The Old Vic Theatre are plausible and corroborated by multiple reputable sources. The narrative includes specific details about the production, casting, and ticket sales, all of which align with information from The Old Vic Theatre’s official press release. The language and tone are consistent with typical theatre industry reporting.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, originating from a reputable source, and corroborated by multiple established outlets. The quotes are unique, and the claims are plausible and consistent with known information. No significant credibility risks were identified.
