A Very, Very, Very Dark Matter

About the show

Written by Tony, Olivier and Oscar-winning playwright Martin McDonagh, this play set in nineteenth-century Copenhagen exposes a disturbing truth behind Hans Christian Andersen's beloved children's stories. A Congolese woman imprisoned in Andersen's attic is revealed as the true author of his celebrated works. As Andersen pursues global recognition, his captive plots her liberation and retribution. The production blends dark comedy with sharp social critique, exploring themes of colonialism, exploitation, and artistic theft through McDonagh's distinctive comedic voice—balancing shocking content with absurdist humour.