Alley Theatre is thrilled to announce that Liz Duffy Adams’ critically acclaimed Born with Teeth is heading across the pond! This steamy, sharp-witted drama imagining a collaboration between literary titans William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe will make its European premiere in London’s West End.
Produced by Playful Productions, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Elizabeth Williams, Born with Teeth begins performances on August 13, 2025, for an 11-week limited engagement at the historic Wyndham’s Theatre.
RSC Co-Artistic Director Daniel Evans will helm the production, starring Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who, Sex Education) as Christopher “Kit” Marlowe and Edward Bluemel (Killing Eve, My Lady Jane) as William “Will” Shakespeare.
This exciting milestone marks a major achievement for Alley Theatre, where Born with Teeth had its world premiere on May 11, 2022, under the direction of Alley Artistic Director Rob Melrose. The original production featured Resident Acting Company members Dylan Godwin as Will and Matthew Amendt as Kit, following its development in the 2019 Alley All New Festival
“Having a play that Alley Theatre developed and premiered receive a West End production in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company is a tremendous achievement,” says Melrose. “I am so proud of my longtime collaborator, Liz Duffy Adams, for this career-defining moment, as well as Alley Theatre and every single artist, designer, and staff member who helped make it a success. I’m also grateful to Guthrie Theater, Asolo Repertory Theatre, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival for keeping Born with Teeth’s momentum going by producing our production of the play in their seasons. Today is a very exciting day for all of us.”
From its first reading in Houston to the bright lights of London, Born with Teeth continues to captivate audiences with its bold reimagining of two of history’s greatest playwrights.
