Alicia Vikander and Andrew Lincoln are set to star in a new production of Henrik Ibsen's classic play, The Lady from the Sea, at the Bridge Theatre this autumn. The announcement was made on May 7, 2025, revealing that performances will begin on September 10, with the official opening night scheduled for September 18. This marks Vikander's return to the stage after a 17-year hiatus, and she will portray the lead character, Ellida, while Lincoln takes on the role of her husband, Edward.
The play, directed and reimagined by Simon Stone, explores themes of love, freedom, and the complexities of personal choice. It follows Ellida, a woman grappling with her past and the choices that have shaped her present. As she navigates her feelings for a former lover who reappears in her life, Ellida must confront the life she has built with Edward, a well-off doctor, and decide whether to embrace the stability she has or pursue the wild pull of her past.
Vikander, known for her Academy Award-winning role in The Danish Girl and her performances in Ex Machina and Tomb Raider, expressed her excitement about returning to the stage. "I’m so excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Simon and Andrew. Ibsen was one of the first playwrights I was introduced to, and his plays have always spoken to me on a deeply personal level, so it felt right that The Lady from the Sea should be my theatre debut," she said.
Andrew Lincoln, recognized for his role in The Walking Dead and his acclaimed performance in A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic, also shared his enthusiasm. "I’m thrilled to be joining the Bridge Theatre with The Lady from the Sea this Autumn. Simon Stone’s Yerma with Billie Piper was one of the greatest plays I’ve seen in years and reminded me of why I became an actor. So to be able to be back on stage alongside Alicia Vikander, with Simon’s direction, writing, and all-round brilliance was too irresistible an opportunity to miss," he remarked.
Simon Stone, an acclaimed Australian director known for his innovative adaptations, commented on the significance of Vikander's role. "Alicia was born to play this role. She grew up watching Ibsen in his original language. His myths course through her veins. She’s totally mesmerizing to watch inhabit a character. The truth emanates from her," he stated. Stone's vision for the play promises to deliver a raw and emotionally charged experience for the audience.
The Lady from the Sea was originally written by Ibsen in 1888 and is noted for its modern portrayal of a woman's struggle for autonomy within her relationship. The production will run for a limited nine-week season, concluding on November 8, 2025. Further casting announcements are expected as the opening date approaches.
As the Bridge Theatre prepares for this highly anticipated revival, audiences can expect a compelling exploration of memory, longing, and the choices that define our lives. Tickets for The Lady from the Sea will go on sale on May 13, 2025, with priority booking opening earlier that day.
