London Theatre | 29 September – 24 October 2026
Opening tonight at the Finborough Theatre, What The Animals Say is a darkly comic and provocative play by acclaimed Northern Irish playwright David Ireland. It runs in Earl’s Court until 24 October.
Here are five reasons to go.
1. A friendship under pressure
The play follows Jimmy and Eddie, two men from North Belfast. What starts as the familiar rhythm of male friendship slowly exposes the tensions underneath, from religion and politics to football and belonging.
2. Laughs that make you think
Ireland is known for writing that moves between comedy and discomfort. Here he uses sharp humour to tackle masculinity, sectarianism and prejudice, and the attitudes people inherit from the communities they grow up in.
3. Big questions about the past
At its heart, the play asks what reconciliation really requires, and whether people can truly understand each other when their experiences are so different. It explores how the legacy of the Troubles still shapes lives today.
4. One of London’s best fringe theatres
The Finborough is a tiny, award-winning pub theatre with a great reputation for new writing and rediscovered plays. A two-hander like this is perfect for such an intimate space.
5. £10 tickets for under-30s
Tickets start at £20 in week one, with £10 tickets for under-30s, rising to £25 in weeks two and three and £29 in the final week. So book early for the best prices. The show is for ages 16+ and contains strong language, references to sectarianism, racism, violence, sexual violence and abuse, and scenes of physical violence.
Tickets and info
What The Animals Say
Finborough Theatre, 118 Finborough Road, London SW10 9ED
Tuesday 29 September – Saturday 24 October 2026
Tuesday to Saturday 7.30pm | Saturday and Sunday 3pm
Week 1: £20 (£18 concessions, £10 under-30s) | Weeks 2–3: £25 (£23) | Week 4: £29 (£27)
Nearest stations: Earl’s Court and West Brompton