Man to Man

About the show

In 1930s Germany, a woman puts on her dead husband’s trousers and never takes them off.

As the world around her changes, she endures war and dictatorship, hunger and humiliation – always fighting to stay alive.

More than 30 years after she first brought the role to life, Tilda Swinton (We Need to Talk About Kevin, Orlando) makes a long-awaited return to stage as Ella/Max in Manfred Karge’s Man to Man - the role she originated in the acclaimed 1988 UK premiere at the Traverse Theatre and Royal Court.

This landmark revival reunites the multi-award-winning creative team, including director Stephen Unwin (The Conquest of the South Pole) and designer Bunny Christie (People, Places and Things) ahead of transferring to the Berliner Ensemble and a run in New York City in Spring 2027.