Kate Winslet to perform in Gisele Pelicot trial play at County Hall
The one-off production features accounts from the Gisele Pelicot trial with a cast of actors and public figures.
Incident → evidence → outcomeAward-winning actors Kate Winslet, Brian Cox, and Lennie James are set to participate in a one-off stage production titled The Pelicot Trial. The play, created by Swiss director and playwright Milo Rau, will be performed at London County Hall on Monday November 30. It is part of the Young Vic Theatre’s final shows for its 2026/27 season.
The production draws on accounts from the Gisele Pelicot trial, incorporating police files, social commentary, and psychiatric reports related to the 51 men prosecuted in connection with the case. Gisele Pelicot's ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, received a 20-year prison sentence for drugging and raping her, and for allowing other men to assault her while she was unconscious. This abuse spanned nearly a decade.
Ms Pelicot, who waived her right to anonymity, stated that the shame should be directed at her abusers rather than herself. The play was developed in collaboration with journalists and feminist organisations in France. It has previously premiered at the Vienna Festival and toured internationally to cities including Avignon, New York, Lisbon, Milan, and Bergen, with different companies performing in each location.
The London performance will feature 30 actors and public figures. Joining Winslet, Cox, and James in the cast are Lindsay Duncan, George MacKay, Ambika Mod, Suzy Eddie Izzard, Baroness Helena Kennedy, Tobias Menzies, John Simm, and Indira Varma. The line-up also includes countertenor Hugh Cutting, activist Ellie Wilson, photographer Misan Harriman, and solicitor Harriet Wistrich.
Previously announced participants include comedian Rosie O’Donnell, rapper Jordan Stephens, Adjoa Andoh, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Olivia Williams, Kadiff Kirwan, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Lorraine Ashbourne, Tamzin Outhwaite, Leo Bill, Juliet Stevenson, and Samuel West. The event at London County Hall will also be livestreamed globally.
Questions this report answers
01When and where will The Pelicot Trial be performed in London?
The Pelicot Trial will be performed at London County Hall on Monday November 30. This is a one-off event as part of the Young Vic Theatre’s 2026/27 season.
02Who are some of the notable performers in The Pelicot Trial?
Award-winning actors Kate Winslet, Brian Cox, and Lennie James are among the 30 actors and public figures participating. Other cast members include Lindsay Duncan, George MacKay, and Ambika Mod.
03What is the Gisele Pelicot trial about?
The Gisele Pelicot trial concerns abuse that lasted nearly a decade. Her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, was jailed for 20 years for drugging and raping her, and for allowing other men to assault her while she was unconscious.
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