Christian Kracht’s internationally acclaimed novel EUROTRASH comes to the Young Vic in a new stage adaptation directed by Walter Meierjohann, starring Ben Whishaw and Kathryn Hunter.
The Young Vic has released first-look rehearsal images for EUROTRASH, a darkly comic new theatre production starring acclaimed actors Ben Whishaw and Kathryn Hunter. Adapted from Swiss author Christian Kracht’s international best-selling novel by Colin Teevan, the production promises an outrageous theatrical journey through family dysfunction, European history and the complicated pursuit of redemption.
Directed by Walter Meierjohann, this Young Vic and Red Peter co-production runs from 13 November 2026 to 9 January 2027.
Whishaw takes the role of Christian, a blocked novelist summoned to Zurich by his elderly mother, played by Hunter. Barely holding things together with vodka, prescription pills and Ferragamo sweaters, Mother has an unusual proposition for her son: together, they will give away her considerable fortune, amassed through investments in the arms industry and dairy products.
With their money stuffed into a plastic bag, the unlikely travelling companions set off on an impromptu road trip through Switzerland’s snow-covered mountains and valleys. As they bicker their way across the landscape, their journey becomes an attempt to confront the darker chapters of their family’s past and Europe’s history, while searching for some form of reconciliation.
Balancing outrageous humour with more unsettling questions about wealth, privilege, family relationships and historical responsibility, EUROTRASH is both a subversive travelogue and a poignant exploration of the possibility of redemption and human connection.
Alongside Hunter and Whishaw, the cast features Deanna H. Choi and Glyn Pritchard, with Annabel Arden and Chris Jared as understudies.
The production’s creative team includes set and costume designer Lizzie Clachan, lighting designer Richard Howell, composer and co-sound designer Deanna H. Choi, co-sound designer Charlie Smith, movement director Jozef Houben, and wigs, hair and make-up designer Kim Kasim.
Following strong demand, the Young Vic has also announced two additional performances on 28 December 2026 and 2 January 2027, offering audiences another opportunity to see the production. At the 28 December performance, Annabel Arden will play Mother and Chris Jared will play The Janitor. At the 2 January performance, Chris Jared will take on the role of Christian.
Adapted from Kracht’s provocative novel, EUROTRASH brings together two distinctive performers in a theatrical exploration of the personal and political histories that shape contemporary Europe. Expect an unpredictable journey in which dark comedy and emotional poignancy collide.
EUROTRASH, Young Vic Theatre, London, 13 November 2026 – 9 January 2027
Find more information and book tickets here.
A Young Vic and Red Peter co-production
Directed by Walter Meierjohann
Adapted by Colin Teevan
