Sting
08 July 2026
Young Vic
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Sting, currently playing at the Young Vic Theatre until 18th July, is an urgent new play examining power dynamics surrounding violence against women.
Ash is starting a new job documenting the historical persecution of women for witchcraft. On her first day she shows up straight from clubbing, making her boss Lily worry about her suitability for the job. As Ash spirals out of control, her relationship with Dom draws closer into focus and Lily is torn on how to help.
The dynamic production doesn’t reveal itself quickly. It draws out plot points and twists slowly, leaving little clues but never fully giving itself away. This leads to a very tense atmosphere in the auditorium, keeping the audience on edge while the unsettling narrative unfolds. This is masterfully achieved through switches in perspective and little information nuggets being revealed at the perfect moment to provide several gut-punch moments.
This three-hander is a deeply moving exploration of the many layers involved in violence against women, picking up stories around historical witch hunting, modern violent murders, and domestic violence, weaving all of them together in a stunningly well constructed story.
Laying heavy focus on pressing issues that are very relevant today, Sting is a powerful production that asks very serious questions, a call to action without being too heavy handed. This is not light entertainment, but rather for those theatre goers who seek social commentary and intense emotion, a brilliant show that leaves a deep impression.
