Second Half Productions, Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Wessex Grove, Young Vic and Headlong present
Best of Enemies West End
★★★★★ 'Rushes at the audience like a newshound after a story' - The Observer
★★★★★ 'James Graham’s captivating drama is raw and timely' -The Times
★★★★★ 'astoundingly good' - Time Out
Following a sell-out run at the Young Vic, James Graham’s critically acclaimed new play Best of Enemies transfers to the West End from November 2022.
1968 – a year of protest that divided America. As two men fight to become the next President, all eyes are on the battle between two others: the cunningly conservative William F Buckley Jr., and the iconoclastic liberal Gore Vidal. Beliefs are challenged and slurs slung as these political idols feud nightly in a new television format, debating the moral landscape of a shattered nation. Little do they know they're about to open up a new frontier in American politics, and transform television news forever...
James Graham’s celebrated new BBC drama Sherwood has just concluded its first series and recent stage successes include Quiz, Labour of Love and Ink. Best of Enemies is directed by Jeremy Herrin (The Glass Menagerie, This House, People, Places and Things).
Show Warnings
ToggleThis show contains themes of racism, homophobia and violence. There is occasional use of homophobic and racist slurs as well as misgendering. There are references to murder, antisemitism and frequent strong language.
Inspired by the documentary by Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon.
The Young Vic and Headlong wish to thank The Charlotte Aitken Trust, Cockayne – Grants for the Arts, The London Community Foundation and The John Ellerman Foundation, for supporting the 2021 world-premiere of Best of Enemies at the Young Vic.
Writer James Graham
Inspired by the documentary by Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon
Director Jeremy Herrin
Cast and further creatives to be announced