Best of Enemies
Buy Best of Enemies tickets for a front row seat to the debates which changed the face of American politics
James Graham’s critically-acclaimed new play Best of Enemies transfers to the Noel Coward Theatre following a sell-out premiere at the Young Vic.
Set in 1968, a year of great political tension that divided America, the play follows the two men as they battle to become the next President – the liberal Gore Vidal and the conservative William F Buckley Jr. Their fight for power marks the beginning of a new political landscape, as millions of Americans watch the candidates debate in nightly television broadcasts that question the moral standing of an already ruptured country.
Based on the documentary of the same name by Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon, Best of Enemies is directed by Jeremy Herrin, who previously collaborated with Graham on his award-winning play This House. The play premiered at the Young Vic in 2021 and starred Charles Edwards, David Harewood and Clare Foster.
In the West End, David Harewood (Homeland) reprises his role as William F. Buckley Jr, opposite Zachary Quinto (Heroes, Star Trek) making his London theatre debut as Gore Vidal.
Best of Enemies features set and costume design by Bunny Christie, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Tom Gibbons, video by Luke Halls, movement by Shelley Maxwell, and original compositions by Benjamin Kwasi Burrell.
James Graham is one of the most prolific new British writers of stage and screen. His latest TV drama, Sherwood, drew widespread critical acclaim and his dramatisation of the events leading up to the 2016 EU referendum, Brexit: The Uncivil War, was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. On stage his plays include Quiz, Labour of Love, Ink and This House.
Don’t miss this bold new play that transforms political debates into edge-of-your seat drama and tension. Best of Enemies opens at the Noel Coward Theatre in November 2022.
Suitable for children?
Best of Enemies is suitable for ages 12+. The show contains themes of racism, homophobia and violence.