'Kyoto' to transfer to the West End's @sohoplace in 2025

The political thriller charts the negotiations leading up to the historic 1997 Kyoto climate summit, which brought about the world’s first legally binding emissions targets.

UPDATE: Also joining the cast are Kristin Atherton (Germany), Aïcha Kossoko (Tanzania), and Duncan Wisbey (Fred Singer), and Karen Barredo, Jeffrey Chekai, Mark Hammersley, Moe Idris, and Sibylla Meienberg all as Off-Stage Cover.

The Royal Shakespeare Company and Good Chance's production of Kyoto will transfer to @sohoplace in the West End for a limited 16-week run next year. The show will open on 9 January, running until 3 May.

The political thriller, which was part of Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey’s inaugural programme as RSC Co-Artistic Directors, charts the negotiations leading up to the historic 1997 Kyoto climate summit, which brought about the world’s first legally binding emissions targets. Stranger Things: The First Shadow co-directors Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin partner again on Kyoto as directors.

Tony-nominated actor Stephen Kunken (The Handmaid’s Tale, Billions) will reprise his role as American oil lobbyist and master strategist, Don Pearlman. Also returning to the cast are Jenna Augen (Shirley), Olivia Barrowclough (Secretariat), Jorge Bosch (Raul Estrada-Oyuela), Nancy Crane (USA), Andrea Gatchalian (Kiribati, AOSIS), Togo Igawa (Japan, Ohki), Kwong Loke (China, Zhong), Dale Rapley (Bolin, Santer, Gore), Raad Rawi (Saudi Arabia, Al Sabban), and Ferdy Roberts (UK, Prescott, Houghton).

Co-Directors Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin said: “Kyoto tells the story of a miraculous moment of agreement in which the seemingly impossible, became a reality. From the crucible of Kyoto emerged something extraordinary; a landmark moment in the history of climate legislation, which paved the way for much of the environmental progress we have witnessed in our lifetime. To bring Joe and Joe’s urgent and vital play to the heart of central London, feels entirely in-keeping with the international nature of this collaboration and we are delighted to be re-uniting with so many of the original company in our new home @sohoplace in 2025.”

Stephen Kunken said: “I’m utterly thrilled and champing at the bit to return to Kyoto and the complicated character that is Don Pearlman. Bringing this play to life has been one of the most invigorating, challenging and rewarding artistic endeavours of my career. I cannot wait to continue the journey with this magnificent Company in the epicentre of the Theatre universe.”

The full creative team includes writers Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson (The Jungle, The Walk with Little Amal), directors Stephen Daldry (Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Billy Elliot, The Inheritance) and Justin Martin (Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Prima Facie), set designer Miriam Buether, costume designer Natalie Pryce, lighting designer Aideen Malone, sound designer Christopher Reid, video designer Akhila Krishnan, composer Paul Englishby, and dramaturg Gemma Stockwood.

RSC Co-Artistic Directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey said: “Every so often, a play comes along that speaks passionately and urgently to the world in which we live. Kyoto is one of those plays. Its resonance is testament to the creative might of its writers, Good Chance co-founders Joe Robertson and Joe Murphy, and their long-term collaborators Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin. Nearly 30 years on from the signing of the original Kyoto climate agreement in December 1997, this ultimately hopeful story of agreement against the odds embodies our core belief in the unique power of theatre to bring people together and – in doing so – deepen our shared understanding of the world around us. Having seen it captivate audiences in Stratford earlier this year, we can’t think of a more perfect venue for London audiences to experience this high-octane political thriller.”

Check back for Kyoto tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credit: Kyoto at the RSC in June 2024. (Photo by Manuel Harlan)