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Plexus Polaire: A Doll’s House

MimeLondon

— ,Theatre
A person reclines into a large spider puppet, it's long black legs wrap around her.

Masterfully crafted life-sized puppets and striking visuals combine in this remarkable take on Ibsen's classic drama about grabbing hold of freedom.

And then there are spiders...

Nora lives a seemingly perfect domestic life with her husband, Torvald. But beneath the surface, she's beginning to question the roles and expectations that have shaped her life.

Taking its cue from the dance of the tarantella in Act Two, this eerie and arresting reimagining of the 19th-century drama sees Plexus Polaire's Artistic Director, Yngvild Aspeli, take on the central role of Nora, voicing both the character and the puppets who form her household. As spiders increasingly encroach upon her, the boundaries between reality and nightmare begin to blur.

The French-Norwegian theatre company return to our stage following their sold-out run of Moby Dick in 2025. Using puppets, acting, music, light and video, they develop visual worlds that bring our most buried feelings to life.

Tagged with: Theatre & dance MimeLondon 2027 Theatre and Dance: Spring 2027

Running time: 1 hour and 20 minutes (no interval)

Age guidance: 14+

This production has puppet spiders of varying sizes. It contains some upsetting scenes and dark themes. 

Post-show talk, Thu 4 Feb
Free to same-day ticket holders.

Performed in English.

Part of MimeLondon 2027
Life-sized puppets, poignant sculptures and a circus of dancing objects – MimeLondon returns with three visually striking productions.

Presented by the Barbican. 

Part of MimeLondon. 

Ticket prices

Standard
From £24 (£20 + £4 transaction fee)
  • ‘A show of incredible force which was unanimously acclaimed.‘
    Stéphane Capron (France Inter)
  • ‘We will keep it in our hearts for a long time, the mythological fight between Nora, magnificently played by Yngvild Aspeli herself, and the beast with tentacle legs.‘
    Fabienne Darge (Le Monde)
  • ‘‘

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Location
The Barbican Theatre is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

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