

Coram Boy
By Helen Edmundson
Based on the novel by Jamila Gavin
About Coram Boy
A spellbinding drama that grips you from start to finish
Telegraph
A not to be missed piece of elegant theatre delivered with exquisite skill
Sussex World
Gallery
Angels and abandoned children, glorious music and murder most foul whirl through this enthralling, moving and richly colourful tale of 18th century England.
At Gloucester Cathedral, Alexander Ashbrook, heir to an aristocratic estate, has his heart set on becoming a composer; but his stern father refuses to listen and despite his love for the beautiful Melissa, flight seems his only option. Far darker conflicts are at play for Meshak, son of the brutal Otis Gardiner who preys on young unmarried mothers – promising to deliver their babies to Coram’s new Foundling Hospital but instead meting out a terrible fate.
Their stories entwine eight years later in London, where two Coram orphans, Toby and Aaron, find themselves on parallel adventures, and the great Handel is at work on a new score, Messiah, embodying the hope of love and salvation over evil.
Helen Edmundson's adaptation of Jamila Gavin's Whitbread Award-winning novel premiered at the National Theatre in 2005 before transferring to Broadway. Nominated for several Olivier and Tony Awards, it won the Time Out Live Award for Best Play. Anna Ledwich, formerly writer in residence at CFT (Pinocchio) and Artistic Director of Theatre on the Fly (2012), whose recent directorial work includes Anthropology (Hampstead), directs.
Stunning. This is must see theatre of the highest calibre
The Latest
Cast and creatives
Will Antenbring
Alexander AshbrookLouisa Binder
Young Alexander/Aaron DangerfieldPandora Clifford
Lady Ashbrook/Mrs HendryRhianna Dorris
Melissa Milcote/AngelHolly Freeman
Isobel AshbrookAled Gomer
Meshak GardinerHarry Gostelow
Sir William AshbrookTallulah Greive
Alice Ashbrook/Molly JenkinsRebecca Hayes
Young Thomas LedburyTom Hier
Thomas Ledbury/Dr SmithJewelle Hutchinson
Miss Price/Toby GaddarnDebbie Korley
Mrs MilcoteMilo McCarthy
Edward AshbrookJo McInnes
Mrs LynchSamuel Oatley
Otis Gardiner/Philip GaddarnJames Staddon
Theodore Claymore/George Frideric Handel
Children: Amelia Boxall-Tullett, Libby Bradbury, Flo Clarke, Amelie Davis, Olive Dixon, Isaac Frith, Raefe Hakes, Maisie Jackson, Hugo Marchant-Williams, Jackson Parker, Lauren Solliss, Benjamin Webb.
Anna Ledwich
Simon Higlett
Emma Chapman
Max Pappenheim
Stephen Higgins
Chi-San Howard
Bethan Clark
Susanna Peretz
Annelie Powell CDG
Joel Trill
Marlie Haco
Ben Arkell
Poppy Hall
Lisa Buckley
Linda Fitzpatrick
Julia Crammer
Zoë Lyndon-Smith
Daisy Vahey
Booking info
About booking infoWe want you to feel welcome at CFT. You’ll find guidance on content here; please be aware that by reading this, elements of the plot may be revealed. Please note that this may be updated nearer the time of the production as staging details are confirmed.
If you have any questions or feedback, or would like further information, do email us at hello@cft.org.uk.
Content and themes
This production has occasional racist and mildly suggestive language prevalent at the period; themes of child infanticide and exploitation, trauma, racism and abuse towards women and young people in 18th century England; and depictions of sexual activity, childbirth and violence including hanging, knife fights, firearms, murder and drowning.
We want you to feel welcome at CFT. You’ll find guidance on content here; please be aware that by reading this, elements of the plot may be revealed. Please note that this may be updated nearer the time of the production as staging details are confirmed.
If you have any questions or feedback, or would like further information, do email us at hello@cft.org.uk.
Content and themes
This production has occasional racist and mildly suggestive language prevalent at the period; themes of child infanticide and exploitation, trauma, racism and abuse towards women and young people in 18th century England; and depictions of sexual activity, childbirth and violence including hanging, knife fights, firearms, murder and drowning.
PricingPreviews / Press Night, prices from
- pink
- £10
- green
- £15
- orange
- £18
- yellow
- £31
- blue
- £45
All other performances, prices from
- pink
- £10
- green
- £19
- orange
- £28
- yellow
- £41
- blue
- £55
Previews / Press Night, prices from
- pink
- £10
- green
- £15
- orange
- £18
- yellow
- £31
- blue
- £45
All other performances, prices from
- pink
- £10
- green
- £19
- orange
- £28
- yellow
- £41
- blue
- £55
Offers
Friends
- Supporters:
- £2 off full price tickets
- *Supporters season saver 4+ shows:
- 20% off full price tickets (available until 5 March)
- *Supporters season saver 6+ shows:
- 25% off full price tickets (available until 5 March)
Discounts and concessions
- *Season saver 3+ shows:
- 10% off full price tickets, see more details below
- Prologue season saver 4+ shows:
- Book Prologue tickets for three shows and get the fourth free (available until 5 March). All tickets must be booked and paid for in one transaction, maximum of two tickets per show.
- Over 60s, weekday performances:
- £2 off full price tickets
- Full-time students in higher education, Jobseekers Allowance and Universal Credit claimants weekday performances:
- Half Price
- Full-time students in higher education, Jobseekers Allowance and Universal Credit claimants weekday performances:
- Standby from one hour before the performance: £10.00
Families
- Family tickets, except Saturday evenings:
- Half Price for up to four U16s with every full price paying adult. Tickets must be booked and paid for in a single transaction. Just select the U16 option for the under 16 tickets in the basket and discounts will be applied at the checkout stage (after the basket)
Groups
- Groups 8+, Monday and Tuesday:
- £30 per ticket
- Groups 8+, Wednesday - Friday:
- £5 off each ticket
- Groups 40+, Wednesday - Friday:
- £8 off each ticket, plus a £5 ticket for the group organiser
Schools and student groups
- Schools and student groups 10+, weekday performances:
- £10.00 per ticket plus one free teacher ticket
Ticket prices
Listed prices, accurate at on sale, are subject to change in response to demand. Book early for the best prices.
Festival Theatre
Discounts apply to top three price bands only (apart from Schools and Student Groups)
Some seating areas may not be available for all performances
Friends
Up to four discounted tickets per production
Groups
You can book up to ten tickets online, just keep your tickets at FULL PRICE and the discount (if applicable) will be applied at the basket. Want to book more? Email groups@cft.org.uk
All tickets
Only one reduction applies per ticket, and all discounts are subject to availability and at the discretion of the Box Office. ID may be required for certain discounts and events. Discounts do not apply to Previews, Press Nights, Dementia Friendly, Relaxed or Gala performances
Tickets are non-refundable
If you return your tickets to the Box Office at least 48 hours before the performance, you can exchange your tickets for the same production on another date (subject to availability). There is a £2 exchange fee per ticket (unless included in your supporter benefits)
Access tickets may be available for Access Members
Log in to your account to see Access seats. Select the relevant Access tickets in the basket to receive your discount (where applicable)
£5 Prologue Tickets may be available for 16-30 year olds
Log in to your account to see Prologue seats