The Royal Court Theatre has always had a soft spot for bold, unpredictable theatre, and this summer, it’s doubling down on that reputation with the return of ECHO, the mind-bending creation from Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour. And let’s be real: when you’ve got big names like Daniel Kaluuya, James Corden, and Dominic West signing up to take the stage completely unrehearsed, you know something special’s going on.
Running from July 13 to 27, ECHO is less of a play in the traditional sense and more of a nightly experiment, one that crackles with tension, spontaneity, and, honestly, a whole lot of guts.
Wait, No Rehearsals? No Script?
Yep, you read that right. Each night, a different actor steps onto the stage with no clue what’s coming. There’s no script in hand until they’re live in front of a crowd. Instead, Soleimanpour beams in live from his apartment in Berlin to guide the performer through the experience, line by line, moment by moment.
The result? Something raw. Unfiltered. A bit terrifying. And unique every single night.
It’s not just theatre, it’s a kind of emotional high-wire act that keeps everyone, including the audience, on their toes. One night might feel deeply introspective, while another is full of nervous laughter and surprises.
A Play About Finding Home, While Being Unmoored
At its core, ECHO explores big, heartfelt themes: belonging, identity, displacement, and that eternal human itch to find where we really fit in. There’s something beautifully ironic about a play that’s so much about grounding yourself in the unknown while the actors themselves are figuring things out as they go.
That mirror effect, where the actor’s real-time journey lines up with the character’s, is what gives ECHO its punch. You’re not just watching a performance; you’re witnessing discovery, vulnerability, and the weird magic of connection.
Big Names, Big Risks
Let’s talk about that cast lineup because… wow. Beyond Kaluuya, Corden, and West, the list of performers reads like a who’s who of British (and global) talent:
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Juliet Stevenson
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Fiona Shaw
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Nish Kumar
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Mel Giedroyc
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Benedict Wong
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Sheila Atim
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Adrian Lester
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Jeremy O. Harris
Each brings their flavor, style, and emotional texture. Which means, if you’re the kind of person who likes to see a show more than once (and this one’s practically begging for repeat visits), you’re guaranteed something completely different every time.
Critics Are Already Raving
Even in past runs, ECHO has drawn serious love from critics. The Times called it “a remarkable act of live magic,” while The Telegraph went with “magically uplifting and soulful”, which feels pretty spot-on.
It’s the kind of show that feels as much like a shared experiment as it does a traditional play. Whether you leave feeling moved, disoriented, inspired, or all of the above, it’s not the kind of experience you’ll forget anytime soon.
A Global Collaboration with an Eye Toward the World Stage
This isn’t just a Royal Court production. It’s a co-production with LIFT (London International Festival of Theatre) and other global partners, with plans to take ECHO on an international tour. So if you’re outside London and feeling a little FOMO, hang tight, it might be coming your way.
The Director Behind the Curtain of ECHO
Omar Elerian is steering this ship, and he’s no stranger to unconventional theatre. His approach strikes the perfect balance between structure and chaos, giving the performer just enough support while still letting them free-fall in front of a live audience.
His staging doesn’t just allow spontaneity, it thrives on it. That’s what makes the whole thing work.
Final Thoughts: Should You Go?
Absolutely. If you’re into theatre that breaks the rules, or just want to see Kaluuya or Fiona Shaw completely wing it in front of a live crowd, ECHO is calling your name. It’s daring, it’s intimate, and it captures something we don’t get enough of: the raw thrill of not knowing what comes next.
Because honestly, in a world that feels more scripted by the day, ECHO is a breath of fresh, unpredictable air.
