Tilda Swinton will reprise her role in Man to Man this autumn, returning to the stage almost 30 years after first performing the play. The production will open at the Royal Court Theatre before transferring to Scotland’s Traverse Theatre.

Tilda Swinton will lead the cast of Man to Man in a new season at the Royal Court Theatre’s Jerwood Theatre Downstairs from 5 September to 24 October 2026. The production marks Swinton’s return to the role of Ella/Max, which she originally played in 1987 at both the Traverse Theatre and the Royal Court.

Man to Man, written by Manfred Karge and translated from German by Anthony Vivis, tells the story of a woman in 1930s Germany who assumes her deceased husband’s identity to survive the harsh realities of war, dictatorship, hunger, and hardship. The text has been revised for this production by Stephen Unwin, who also directs the show.

Following its sold-out run at the Royal Court, the production will transfer to the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh from 29 October to 7 November 2026. It will then move to the Berliner Ensemble in Berlin, with a premiere scheduled for 9 February 2027.

The creative team reunites several original collaborators, including director Stephen Unwin, set and costume designer Bunny Christie, and lighting designer Ben Ormerod. Other members include sound designer Elena Peña, projection designer Matt Powell, and movement director Kane Husbands.

Additional production roles feature design associate Verity Sadler, props supervisor Lily Mollgaard, voice coach Hazel Holder, and associate director Eleanor Burke. The cohesive team brings a blend of continuity and fresh perspective to this revival.

A New York engagement is also planned for spring 2027, following the Berlin transfer. This international trajectory reflects the ongoing interest in Man to Man’s exploration of identity and survival during tumultuous times.