'Tis Pity She's a Whore - Barbican Theatre

Theatre company Cheek by Jowl has never shied away from violence and shock value. Their latest production is one of the most controversial works in English literature, which confronts a long remaining social taboo: incest.

'Tis Pity She's a Whore is a Jacobean tragedy focusing on a love story between a brother and sister and their chaotic descent into hell. The play is as shocking today as it was 400 years ago. With its beautiful language and strong imagery, it stunned recent audiences in Paris, Sydney and New York, and now it's coming to the Barbican. Whilst the aesthetics of the show might appear slightly camp to some, it remains an intensely absorbing experience.

Cheek by Jowl is one of the most exciting and long-running British-based theatre companies. Renowned for reinvigorating the classics, director Declan Donnellan and set designer Nick Ormerod have presented shows in more than 40 countries. They founded their company in 1981 and are best-known for producing plays in their original language with local performers (most recently Andromaque in French and Boris Godunov by Alexander Pushkin in Russian).

Their shows are both dark and funny, highly visual and equally profound. 'Tis Pity She's a Whore is not to be missed. It sold out in 2013, so book as soon as you can.

Tickets: £19-£26

Address and Map:  Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS ‎

Underground: Barbican