Doctor Who Star Ncuti Gatwa to Face Off Against Edward Bluemel in Literary Rivalry Drama “Born With Teeth”

West End’s Hot Ticket: Two Rising Stars Bring Shakespeare and Marlowe to Life

In what’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated theatrical events of summer 2025, “Doctor Who” star Ncuti Gatwa and “Killing Eve” actor Edward Bluemel will bring to life an imagined relationship between two of literature’s greatest rivals—Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare.

“Born With Teeth,” a thrilling new play by American playwright Liz Duffy Adams, will make its West End premiere at Wyndham’s Theatre for a strictly limited 11-week season starting August 13th. The production marks an exciting collaboration between Playful Productions, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and producer Elizabeth Williams.

A Literary Rivalry Reimagined

Set in the winter of 1591, during a time of dangerous political intrigue and paranoia, the play imagines three secret meetings between the established writing sensation Kit Marlowe and the then up-and-coming Will Shakespeare. Alone in the backroom of a pub, with only a table serving as their stage and battlefield, the two literary giants sharpen both their pens and wits against each other.

The production promises to showcase a very different side of these historical figures than audiences might expect, with Gatwa describing the play as “smart, dark, sexy, sharp and funny.”

“This is like no version of Shakespeare and Marlowe that I’ve ever seen before,” Gatwa said in a statement. “Liz Duffy Adams has written an exceptional play… There’s a lot to get one’s teeth into.”

Star Power on Stage

For Gatwa, who currently stars as the Fifteenth Doctor in “Doctor Who” and recently appeared in Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” the role of Christopher Marlowe represents another exciting theatrical challenge following his critically acclaimed performance as Algernon Moncrieff in “The Importance of Being Earnest” at the National Theatre last year.

Bluemel, known for his roles in “Killing Eve,” “Sex Education,” and most recently as a co-lead in Amazon Prime’s “My Lady Jane,” expressed his excitement about tackling the role of young William Shakespeare.

“I feel incredibly proud and excited to be working with Ncuti Gatwa and Daniel Evans on the European premiere of Born With Teeth,” Bluemel said. “To be stepping into the shoes of a young William Shakespeare is a huge thrill for any actor… When I read Liz Duffy Adams’ script, I was instantly drawn into the high-stakes world of these two rival playwrights and the incredible, creative chemistry they share.”

RSC Director Makes West End Return

The production will be directed by Daniel Evans, Co-Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, marking his directorial debut for the company. Evans returns to the West End following his critically acclaimed productions of “Quiz,” “American Buffalo,” “South Pacific,” and “Our Generation.”

The creative team also includes Olivier Award-winning designer Joanna Scotcher and Tony and Olivier Award-winning lighting designer Neil Austin, promising a visually striking production to match the verbal fireworks of the script.

Accessibility Initiative for Young Audiences

In an effort to make this high-profile production accessible to younger audiences, the producers have announced that 2,000 tickets will be available at just £10 for 16-25 year olds, sponsored by TikTok. This initiative reflects the RSC’s ongoing commitment to introducing new generations to theatrical experiences.

Marking a Milestone for the RSC

“Born With Teeth” represents the seventh RSC production to be presented in London in 2025, underscoring the company’s effort to expand its presence in the capital.

“We’re so excited to be bringing Liz Duffy Adams’ Born With Teeth to Wyndham’s Theatre alongside our partners Playful Productions and Elizabeth Williams for Grain of Sand Productions,” said Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey, Co-Artistic Directors of the Royal Shakespeare Company. “We look forward to sharing more of the RSC’s work with audiences in the capital and are thrilled that two such extraordinary actors as Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel will be joining us on that journey this summer.”

Limited Run, High Anticipation

With only 11 weeks scheduled for this production, tickets are expected to move quickly when they go on sale to the public on Wednesday, April 16th. Priority booking will be available from April 11th.

For playwright Liz Duffy Adams, whose works include the neo-Restoration comedy “Or,” and “Dog Act,” this production marks her UK debut. Elizabeth Williams, one of the producers, praised Adams’ work, saying: “It is rare in my many years as a West End and Broadway producer to read a play like Liz Duffy Adams’ Born With Teeth which from the first sentence, thrills… it is brilliant in conception and ferociously sexy.”

Born With Teeth runs at Wyndham’s Theatre from August 13th to November 1st, 2025. For more information and tickets, visit BornWithTeethPlay.com.