Ben, I don't believe that anyone has ever told you what to do.

Benjamin Britten is under pressure and on a deadline. He has just nine months to write a wildly ambitious new opera to celebrate the Coronation of Elizabeth II – and he isn't entirely sure he wants to. And then he meets Imogen Holst: daughter of Gustav, multi-talented musician, and all-round force of nature. As storms lash the Aldeburgh beaches, Ben and Imo race against the clock to compose an opera fit for a monarch – and test the very edges of their passionate friendship.

Mark Ravenhill's funny and fascinating new play probes the emotional – and financial – cost of making art that matters. Ravenhill, one of the most exciting voices of his generation, shot to fame with Shopping and Fucking at the Royal Court, and has written numerous plays for the RSC and National Theatre.

The Orange Tree presents the London premiere of the Royal Shakespeare Company's acclaimed production directed by Erica Whyman and starring the original, multi award-winning cast of Samuel Barnett (The History Boys) and Victoria Yeates (Call the Midwife).

"Whyman's sensitive direction… Finely crafted performances." The Observer on the RSC's Ben and Imo

"Yeates and Barnett have a vivid rapport, bringing to life this intense relationship." Financial Times on the RSC's Ben and Imo