Les Liaisons Dangereuses is set to grace the National Theatre, London, from 21 March 2026 until 6 June 2026. This captivating play delves into the treacherous world of the elite, where power dynamics shape the lives of its characters. At the heart of the narrative is Madame de Merteuil, a master strategist who navigates the complexities of reputation and desire alongside the charming Viscount de Valmont. Together, they turn seduction into a dangerous game, but as their alliance spirals into rivalry, the stakes rise, threatening those around them. Directed by Marianne Elliott and featuring the talented Lesley Manville, this production promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of manipulation and consequence. While the running time is yet to be confirmed, the intensity of the story will keep audiences engaged throughout. Don’t miss your chance to see Les Liaisons Dangereuses at the National Theatre, London, and consider booking your tickets today.
Reviews
What critics say
★★★☆☆ 3.2/5 average from 10 UK critics
-
“Lesley Manville alone is worth the price of admission”
-
“Lesley Manville's cruel intentions are something to behold”
-
“Manville and Turner are simply superb”
-
“Lesley Manville and Aidan Turner are superb”
-
“A queenly Lesley Manville steals the show”
-
“Aidan Turner's dandy lacks teeth”
-
“Lethally entertaining in cruel games of seduction”
-
“Sexy, sinister u2013 and ultimately unsatisfying”
-
“Lesley Manville adds heart to a glittering, icy production”
-
“Fatally tepid”
What audiences say
“The costumes and stagecraft are dazzling.” — Geoffrey, London Box Office verified post-show customer review, 5 Apr 2026 (https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk/liaisons-dangereuses-tickets)
Les Liaisons Dangereuses review – love is a fight for power in this bold staging The Guardian...
Les Liaisons Dangereuses - Theatre Reviews with Paul Seven Theatre Reviews with Paul Seven...
Review round-up: Summerfolk, The Authenticator, Les Liaisons Dangereuses Exeunt | Substack...
"Les liaisons dangereuses" by Choderlos de Laclos is an epistolary novel published in 1782. Through 175 letters, two former lovers and master manipulators—the Vicomte de Valmont and the Marquise de Merteuil—orchestrate elaborate seductions among French nobility.
Quand il ne serait, comme vous le dites, qu’un exemple du danger des liaisons, en serait-il moins lui-même une liaison dangereuse ? Vous le supposez susceptible d’un retour heureux ?
Les Liaisons dangereuses, sous-titré Lettres recueillies dans une société et publiées pour l’instruction de quelques autres, est un roman épistolaire de 175 lettres, écrit à partir de 1779 par Pierre Choderlos de Laclos et publié en 1782.