Theatre

Our guide to Nice Fish at London’s Harold Pinter Theatre

Nice Fish is currently running in London’s West End, so here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your theatre trip.

Why should you be interested?
Direct from a sold out season in New York, award winner Mark Rylance writes and stars in new comic play Nice Fish, joined by Louis Jenkins and directed by Claire van Kampen.

So, what’s it all about?
Here’s what the official website has to say about the plot: “On a frozen Minnesota lake, the ice is beginning to creak and groan. It’s the end of the fishing season and on the frostbitten, unforgiving landscape, two old friends are out on the ice and they are angling for something big, something down there that is pure need, something that, had it the wherewithal, would swallow them whole.”

What are the critics saying?
Nice Fish has been widely commended by the UK national press. Time Out notes that “the brilliant Mark Rylance is utterly magnificent. An endearingly strange piece of theatre.”

“Nice Fish proves itself to be that rarest of beasts: a show that sets out to be different and succeeds. Highly entertaining with moments of great profundity,” Broadway World agrees.

The Daily Telegraph describes Nice Fish as a “sizzling hot ticket”, adding that it is “kookily compelling”. The Times states that it is playful and profound, declaring it “a hit!”.

“Beg, borrow or steal a pair of waders and march fishing rod in hand, to the Harold Pinter theatre,” Vanity Fair conclude.

Where and when is it showing?
Following its New York run, Nice Fish is now running at the Harold Pinter Theatre in Panton Street, London. For you SatNav-ers, that all important postcode is SW1Y 4DN.

How do you get there?
The Harold Pinter Theatre is easily accessible by public transport. Bus numbers 14, 19, 24, 29, 38 and 176 towards Leicester Square and Haymarket get you to its doors.

Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Charing Cross are all within walking distance of the venue.

For those planning to park, Q-Park are currently offering 50% off for those attending a West End theatre. The closest one of those is Q-Park Trafalgar, Spring Gardens, SW1A 2TS.

What could you do before and after the show?
There’s a whole range of places to eat very close to the Harold Pinter Theatre. Panton Street itself has everything from a Pizza Express and Strada, to Angus Steak House and Woodland’s Indian restaurant. There’s Mediterranean food available from Nonna’s Kitchen or Andalucia Tapas Restaurant. Located near the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the area is also strong for Asian cuisine.

How do you get tickets?
Tickets and full details are available now through Ticketmaster.co.uk. But please note, it’s so popular, tickets are only available from Monday 19 December.

For more on all things stage, check out our West End Theatre Guide.