7 October - 30 November 2024
The Flea
7 October - 30 November 2024
About
A scandal so juicy, it demands another taste.
Following a "glorious" ★★★★★ run that left audiences wanting more, The Flea returns for a second bite.
London, 1889. Charlie Swinscow, a telegraph boy, is found with 14 shillings in his pocket and arrested for theft. But Charlie didn't steal the money — he's got a secret.
A secret that pays well.
This is the true story of the Cleveland Street Scandal that shook Victorian England—from the shadowy streets of Bermondsey to the gilded halls of Buckingham Palace. The people who fought to expose it, and those who'd do anything to keep it hidden.
A thrilling tale of power, sex and deception, featuring a flea, a horse, a copper, a queen, a pimp, a god — and Charlie Swinscow. The telegraph boy whose secret threatened to bring an empire to its knees.
From writer James Fritz (★★★★ Ross & Rachel, ★★★★ Parliament Square) and directed by The Yard’s Artistic Director Jay Miller (★★★★★ The Crucible, ★★★★★ This Beautiful Future).
DATES & TIMES
7 October - 30 November
Monday - Saturday, 7.30pm
PREVIEWS*
7-21 October, 7:30pm
FIRST BITE PREVIEWS
7 & 8 October, 7:30pm
MATINEES
Every Saturday, starting 26 October, 2.30pm
Select Wednesdays, 2:30pm
CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE
30 October, 7:30pm
RUNNING TIME
2 hours and 10 minutes, inclusive of a 20 minute interval
*Previews are a set of public performances that take place before the official opening of a production. Tickets for these nights are sold at a reduced rate.
HOW TO BOOK
ONLINE
Just click the 'BOOK NOW' button to purchase tickets online. A £1.50 booking fee will apply.
BOX OFFICE
You can book tickets over the phone, call us at 07756734172, Monday to Thursdays, 10am-5.30pm. A £3 booking fee will apply
WAYS TO SAVE
BOOK EARLY
Tickets start from £10 — the earlier you book tickets, the cheaper they will be.
FIRST BITE PREVIEWS
All tickets for the first two performances (7 & 8 October) are £12.
YARD CARD
Sign up for a free Yard Card – unlock discounts, exclusive news, freebies and for every third ticket bought, your fourth one is free.
NO EMPTY SEATS
If you’re aged 27 and under, you can get £5 tickets at the door to all performances that are not sold out.
CONCESSIONS
If you're aged 27 and under, 65+, a student or are unwaged, tickets are priced cheaper.
GROUP BOOKINGS
If you’d like to make a group booking (10+ tickets), email us.
ACCESS & SUITABILITY
ACCESS
Access tickets are priced as concessions and can be booked online. We offer free tickets for companions, and these must be booked by emailing marketing@theyardtheatre.co.uk
More infoCAPTIONED PERFORMANCE
Wednesday 30 October, 7:30pm
SUITABILITY
Recommended for ages 16+
CONTENT GUIDANCE
This show contains haze, flashing lights, herbal cigarettes, strong and derogatory language, asphyxiation, references to death, dying, sex, mental health and suicide.
Photography by Marc Brenner
REVIEWS
“Wildly imaginative punk retelling of the Cleveland Street Scandal.”
The Stage
“Feels like a precious rarity given the anaemic worthiness so often found elsewhere on London's new writing stages. Bravo then to The Yard.”
The Telegraph
“A rich brew of steam-punk Victoriana, homosexual sandal, and contemporary reference...James Fritz has written something marvellous.”
Morning Star
“A masterpiece...a glorious, beautiful tale.”
A Youngish Perspective
“Now this is how you do historical theatre. This rare gem really has it all.”
Broadway World
“The Yard appears to be successfully leading the vanguard for daringly original British theatre.”
Plays To See
“Bold, innovative, interesting and risk-taking theatre... what the industry has been crying out for.”
Spy in the Stalls
Photography by Marc Brenner
“A haute couture, historical fever dream. A dissection of an entire era.”
The Reviews Hub
"Gloriously surreal new drama about a queer Victorian scandal that rocked the nation."
Time Out
"Endlessly hilarious...dancing with a fierce anger."
To Do List
“Cheerful historical travesty and good theatrical fun. Bonkers powwow.”
Daily Mail
“A darkly hilarious and unmistakably British farce.”
Everything Theatre
“I laughed and cried in quick succession.”
Lord Collins, The House
“This riveting production explores a lesser-known chapter of history, immersing us in a fascinating narrative.”
Voice Mag
“Vital, imaginative storytelling that demands-and deserves-the widest possible audience.”
UK Theatre Web
“Now this is how you do historical theatre. This rare gem really has it all.”
Broadway World
“I can safely say The Flea will 100% be a contender for my favourite show of 2024.”
Theatre and Tonic
Cast & Team
Breffni Holahan
- Emily Swinscow
- Queen Victoria
Stefan Race
- Henry Newlove
- Arthur Somerset
Tomás Azocar-Nevin
- Charlie Swinscow
- Bertie
Will Bliss
- Abberline
- Hammond
- Gladstone
Aaron Gill
- Hanks
- Barwell
- Euston
Artwork photography by MOJA.
Hair & Make Up by Dominique Hamilton.
Costume by Lambdog1066.
Modelled by Brittany Ashworth.
