The Emperor

"His Majesty knew that a joke was a dangerous form of opposition." Master of transformation Kathryn Hunter brings to life an extraordinary fable of corruption, avarice and the collapse of absolute power - from the team behind the international success Kafka’s Monkey.

A world premiere based on the astonishing book about Ethiopia's Haile Selassie by legendary journalist Ryszard Kapuściński.

Hunter creates a mesmerising cast of characters, all servants to an autocratic ruler on the brink of downfall. In a kingdom obsessed with title and tradition, the lowly and the loyal have incredible stories to tell. Featuring live music from Temesgen Zeleke.

★★★★ Witty and haunting production - Hunter is particularly powerful The Independent

★★★★ Kathryn Hunter - the evening belongs to her. It could very well be the stage performance of the year. The Sunday Times

★★★★ Kathryn Hunter's shape-shifting brilliance The Observer

★★★★ The Emperor is a study in love – it’s also incredibly moving. Time Out

★★★★ The astonishing shape-shifting Kathryn Hunter – in this shrewd and resonant account of Haile Selassie’s fall from grace. The Guardian

★★★★ Intriguing and unsettling - Hunter's presence is mesmeric Evening Standard

★★★★ A tour de force performance from Kathryn Hunter. The Financial Times

★★★★★ Colin Teevan’s perfect adaptation. Kathryn Hunter spellbinds. The triumph is shared by everybody involved. Arts Desk

★★★★ A great actor in action. Kathryn Hunter is one of the best. A richly absorbing hour. Whatsonstage

Crowd-bewitching magic from Kathryn Hunter The Spectator A production that will stay with me for life. Matthew Paris, The Times