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BritishTheatre

Since 1999

25 years

Official tickets

Pick seats

BritishTheatre

Since 1999

Trusted News & Reviews

25

years

best of british theatre

Official
tickets

Pick
your seats

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Clive

A hilariously moving portrait of isolation and imagination, Clive is a new solo play about friendship, technology—and talking to a cactus.

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One Man. One Cactus. One Crumbling Routine.

Thomas works from home. He builds his day exactly the way he wants it, chatting endlessly with his best friend—Clive, a towering houseplant cactus. But as things begin to go wrong at work and the walls of his flat close in, Thomas starts to spiral. The neighbours become his obsession. His connection to the outside world frays. And Clive, ever-spiky and silent, becomes the sole witness to his unraveling.

Written by Olivier and BAFTA Award-winning playwright Michael Wynne, Clive is a darkly funny, deeply poignant meditation on technology, loneliness, and the struggle to stay connected in a hyper-connected world. In a time when we're all learning the difference between being alone and being lonely, Clive is both a cautionary tale and a comedy of errors.

Description

One Man. One Cactus. One Crumbling Routine.

Thomas works from home. He builds his day exactly the way he wants it, chatting endlessly with his best friend—Clive, a towering houseplant cactus. But as things begin to go wrong at work and the walls of his flat close in, Thomas starts to spiral. The neighbours become his obsession. His connection to the outside world frays. And Clive, ever-spiky and silent, becomes the sole witness to his unraveling.

Written by Olivier and BAFTA Award-winning playwright Michael Wynne, Clive is a darkly funny, deeply poignant meditation on technology, loneliness, and the struggle to stay connected in a hyper-connected world. In a time when we're all learning the difference between being alone and being lonely, Clive is both a cautionary tale and a comedy of errors.

Description

One Man. One Cactus. One Crumbling Routine.

Thomas works from home. He builds his day exactly the way he wants it, chatting endlessly with his best friend—Clive, a towering houseplant cactus. But as things begin to go wrong at work and the walls of his flat close in, Thomas starts to spiral. The neighbours become his obsession. His connection to the outside world frays. And Clive, ever-spiky and silent, becomes the sole witness to his unraveling.

Written by Olivier and BAFTA Award-winning playwright Michael Wynne, Clive is a darkly funny, deeply poignant meditation on technology, loneliness, and the struggle to stay connected in a hyper-connected world. In a time when we're all learning the difference between being alone and being lonely, Clive is both a cautionary tale and a comedy of errors.

Know before you go

  • Venue: Arcola Theatre, 24 Ashwin St, London E8 3DL

  • Dates: 30 July – 23 August 2025

  • Press Night: Friday 1 August at 7.30pm

  • Performance Schedule:

    • Monday to Saturday: 7.30pm

    • Saturday matinees: 3.00pm

Know before you go

  • Venue: Arcola Theatre, 24 Ashwin St, London E8 3DL

  • Dates: 30 July – 23 August 2025

  • Press Night: Friday 1 August at 7.30pm

  • Performance Schedule:

    • Monday to Saturday: 7.30pm

    • Saturday matinees: 3.00pm

Know before you go

  • Venue: Arcola Theatre, 24 Ashwin St, London E8 3DL

  • Dates: 30 July – 23 August 2025

  • Press Night: Friday 1 August at 7.30pm

  • Performance Schedule:

    • Monday to Saturday: 7.30pm

    • Saturday matinees: 3.00pm

Visitor guidelines

  • Arrival: Please arrive 15–30 minutes before the performance.

  • Dress Code: Casual attire welcome.

  • Accessibility: The venue offers accessible seating; contact the box office for assistance.

  • Age Recommendation: Suitable for ages 12+ due to mature themes.

  • Refreshments: Available at the Arcola café and bar.

Visitor guidelines

  • Arrival: Please arrive 15–30 minutes before the performance.

  • Dress Code: Casual attire welcome.

  • Accessibility: The venue offers accessible seating; contact the box office for assistance.

  • Age Recommendation: Suitable for ages 12+ due to mature themes.

  • Refreshments: Available at the Arcola café and bar.

Visitor guidelines

  • Arrival: Please arrive 15–30 minutes before the performance.

  • Dress Code: Casual attire welcome.

  • Accessibility: The venue offers accessible seating; contact the box office for assistance.

  • Age Recommendation: Suitable for ages 12+ due to mature themes.

  • Refreshments: Available at the Arcola café and bar.

Cast and creatives

Cast

  • Thomas: Paul Keating

Creative Team

  • Writer: Michael Wynne

  • Director: Lucy Bailey

  • Presented by: Arcola Theatre

Cast and creatives

Cast

  • Thomas: Paul Keating

Creative Team

  • Writer: Michael Wynne

  • Director: Lucy Bailey

  • Presented by: Arcola Theatre

Cast and creatives

Cast

  • Thomas: Paul Keating

Creative Team

  • Writer: Michael Wynne

  • Director: Lucy Bailey

  • Presented by: Arcola Theatre

Frequently asked questions

Is Clive a comedy or a drama?

Both. It’s a darkly funny and emotionally resonant solo play that navigates humour and pathos in equal measure.

Who is the show suitable for?

Recommended for ages 12 and up. It explores mental health, isolation, and technology in a sensitive yet accessible way.

Will Paul Keating appear live every night?

Yes, Paul Keating performs the role of Thomas live each performance.

Is the show about mental health?

Yes, indirectly—it touches on the psychological impacts of remote working, loneliness, and digital isolation with warmth and wit.

Frequently asked questions

Is Clive a comedy or a drama?

Both. It’s a darkly funny and emotionally resonant solo play that navigates humour and pathos in equal measure.

Who is the show suitable for?

Recommended for ages 12 and up. It explores mental health, isolation, and technology in a sensitive yet accessible way.

Will Paul Keating appear live every night?

Yes, Paul Keating performs the role of Thomas live each performance.

Is the show about mental health?

Yes, indirectly—it touches on the psychological impacts of remote working, loneliness, and digital isolation with warmth and wit.

Frequently asked questions

Is Clive a comedy or a drama?

Both. It’s a darkly funny and emotionally resonant solo play that navigates humour and pathos in equal measure.

Who is the show suitable for?

Recommended for ages 12 and up. It explores mental health, isolation, and technology in a sensitive yet accessible way.

Will Paul Keating appear live every night?

Yes, Paul Keating performs the role of Thomas live each performance.

Is the show about mental health?

Yes, indirectly—it touches on the psychological impacts of remote working, loneliness, and digital isolation with warmth and wit.

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The BritishTheatre.com website was created to celebrate the rich and diverse theatrical culture of the United Kingdom. Our mission is to provide the latest UK theatre news, West End reviews, and insights into both regional theatre and London theatre tickets, ensuring enthusiasts can stay up to date with everything from the biggest West End musicals to cutting-edge fringe theatre. We are passionate about encouraging and nurturing the performing arts in all their forms.

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