Skylight

What is Skylight about?

David Hare's Skylight is one of the finest British plays of the last thirty years. A successful restaurateur, Tom, visits the bedsit of his former lover Kyra, a teacher working in a deprived East London school. Over the course of one evening, they revisit their passionate affair, their fundamental disagreements about how to live, and the painful truths about money, class, idealism, and compromise that drove them apart. The play is at once a love story, a political argument, and a forensic examination of what it means to live a good life.

Why see Skylight?

Hare's writing is electrifying — two people in a room, arguing about everything that matters, and you cannot look away. The play's exploration of the tension between wealth and conscience, between private desire and public duty, feels more relevant now than when it premiered in 1995. London revivals attract major stars, and the two-hander format means there is nowhere to hide: every moment depends on the chemistry and skill of the performers.

Practical information for visitors

Skylight is periodically revived in the West End. Check current listings for the latest production, venue, and availability. The play contains adult themes and strong language, making it best suited for adult audiences. Running time is approximately two hours including an interval.

Similar shows you might enjoy

For more exceptional contemporary drama, explore what is playing at the National Theatre and the Donmar Warehouse. For other David Hare plays, look for revivals of Plenty, Racing Demon, or Amy's View.