A provocative double take on power, gender and desire is coming to Newcastle when The Libertine takes over the Playhouse this July.
Presented by HER Productions as part of the UpStage at the Playhouse 2026 season, the acclaimed work will be staged in two distinct versions, inviting audiences to experience the same story through both a historical and contemporary lens.
The ambitious production explores how perspective, gender and power can radically reshape a narrative.
At the centre of the story is John Wilmot, the Earl of Rochester, a poet, satirist and notorious libertine in the court of King Charles II.
Reckless, charismatic and deeply cynical, Rochester dedicates their life to pleasure and excess until an encounter with actress Elizabeth Barry forces a confrontation with the consequences of their own destructive behaviour.
The first adaptation, Then, remains rooted in the historical setting, charting Rochester’s downfall against a backdrop of shifting power dynamics and the growing influence of women.
The second version reimagines Rochester as a woman, challenging audiences to consider how the story changes when a female character possesses the same brilliance, ambition and self-destructive tendencies.
The production follows HER Productions’ successful Romeo and Juliet: A Reimagining and continues the company’s focus on reinterpreting classic works through a contemporary lens.
By presenting two versions of the same play, The Libertine creates a conversation across centuries, exploring themes of identity, power, hypocrisy and the social roles that continue to shape modern life.
The Libertine runs from 2 to 11 July 2026 at the Playhouse, Newcastle. The production runs for approximately two hours and 20 minutes, including an interval, and contains violence and sexual themes. Tickets are available through Civic Theatre Newcastle.
