Everything you need to know about John Proctor Is The Villain

All the information you need as the Broadway hit transfers to the West End

John Proctor Is The Villain was one of the most talked-about shows to premiere on Broadway in recent years, thanks in part to its star Sadie Sink, and in large amount to Kimberly Belflower’s thoughtful, sharp re-examination of The Crucible through the eyes of teenage girls. Part high school comedy, part coming-of-age drama and part feminist retelling, John Proctor Is The Villain is a show about young women waking up to the world around them – both its pitfalls and its potential.

As the show prepares to come to the West End next year, here’s everything you need to know.

What is John Proctor Is The Villain about?

John Proctor Is The Villain follows a small group of high school students studying Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. As they analyse the play, guided by their English teacher, the students raise questions about how the characters in the play are presented – namely whether John Proctor is a hero or a villain. Throughout the year, these discussions become more personal, and against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement, the girls in the school’s feminist club have to grapple with some difficult revelations.

Furious, disillusioned and splintered, the students begin to question all the narratives presented to them – not just those within the play – and begin to teach themselves how to find control over their story.

What do I need to know about The Crucible before seeing John Proctor Is The Villain?

John Proctor Is The Villain won’t assume that its audience knows Arthur Miller’s The Crucible in detail, but here’s a bit of background information that might help. The Crucible is a historical drama, written by Miller in the 1950s but set during the Salem witch trials of 1692. It follows a small community that becomes overrun with accusations of witchcraft after a group of girls are thought to be behaving unnaturally.

John Proctor is a central figure in Miller’s play, realising that Abigail Miller, a ringleader amongst the girls, is using the community’s hysteria to satisfy personal vendettas. John previously had an affair with Abigail and finds himself in her line of fire when he attempts to expose her. His refusal to falsely admit to witchcraft under intense pressure is said to show strength of character and integrity, but modern audiences have raised issues with his treatment of the women in the play, namely Abigail and John’s wife, Elizabeth.

In its time, The Crucible wasn’t really about the witch trials at all, but the dangers of groupthink and blind obedience to authority, particularly in times of widespread political persecution. Miller wrote the play to reflect America in the 50s and the anti-communist investigations taking place at the time.

What theatre will John Proctor Is The Villain play at?

John Proctor Is The Villain will play at Wyndham’s Theatre.

When will it come to London?

John Proctor Is The Villain will come to the West End on 2 February for a strictly limited 12-week season, with the final performance on 24 April.

Who are the characters?

The main characters in the show are:

Shelby Holcomb – A previously absent student who returns to the school after three months and to make some shocking revelations.

Nell Shaw: A newcomer who transfers from Atlanta, offering a valuable outsider’s perspective on the tight-knit community and helping the girls to challenge what they’re told.

Beth Powell: A straight-A student and the founder of the feminist club, who wants to open up important discussions, and who greatly admires Mr Smith.

Ivy Watkins: A wealthy student whose world is turned upside down when sexual harassment allegations come to light about her father.

Raelynn Nix: The daughter of a local preacher whose relationship with her boyfriend, Lee, is threatened by Shelby.

Carter Smith: The students’ English teacher, Mr Smith, who guides the class through their study of The Crucible and oversees the feminist club.

When did the show first come to London?

John Proctor Is the Villain made its UK debut at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court in London in 2026 as part of the venue’s 70th anniversary season, playing a sold-out run and receiving praise from critics.

Who’s starring in John Proctor Is The Villain on the West End?

John Proctor Is The Villain stars Sadie Soverall as Shelby Holcomb, Lauryn Ajufo as Nell Shaw, Molly McFadden as Bailey Gallagher, Dónal Finn as Carter Smith, Amy Macken as Ivy Watkins, Miya James as Raelynn Nix, Charlie Borg as Lee Turner, Reece Braddock as Mason Adams and Holly Howden Gilchrist as Beth Powell. The cast is completed by Alfie Craig, Anna Francis, Thalia Gambe, Ada Grey and Tom Milligan. Many cast members are reprising their roles from the show’s Royal Court run.

Who starred in the play on Broadway?

The Broadway production starred Sadie Sink, best known for playing Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, as Shelby. The play was a hit on Broadway, garnering critical praise and extending its run several times due to high demand.

Who wrote John Proctor Is The Villain?

John Proctor Is The Villain iswritten by American playwright Kimberly Belflower, who began working on the play in 2017, inspired by the #MeToo movement.

Has it won any awards?

The Broadway production received seven nominations at the 2025 Tony Awards, including Best Play and Best Actress In A Play for Sadie Sink. It also won two Drama Desk Awards and was recognised by multiple other theatre awards bodies.

Who’s on the creative team?

John Proctor Is The Villain is directed by Danya Taymor. The creative team includes costume design by Sarah Laux, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design and original composition by Palmer Hefferan, projection design by Hannah Wasileski, movement direction by Tilly Evans-Krueger, voice and dialect coaching by Gigi Buffington, casting by Julia Horan, and dramaturgy by Lauren Halvorsen. Scenography is by AMP featuring Teresa L. Williams.

What songs are in John Proctor Is The Villain?

The show uses several songs by artists like Taylor Swift and Lorde, including a euphoric moment set to Lorde’s ‘Green Light’ at the end of the show.

Is John Proctor Is The Villain going to be a film?

Yes, the play is currently being adapted for film. Universal Pictures won the film rights to John Proctor Is The Villain at auction. Belflower will write the screenplay, with Tina Fey, Eric Gurian, Marc Platt, Adam Siegel and Jared LeBoff producing, and actress Sadie Sink executive producing.

Why should I see it?

With multiple Tony nominations, plenty of social media buzz and a film adaptation in the works, there’s no doubt that John Proctor Is The Villain is going to make an impact in the West End. A gripping piece about the power and lack thereof in teenage girlhood, Belflower’s play is a reflection on the tipping point that was #MeToo and the world that young women are creating in its aftermath. If you’re interested in The Crucible, coming-of-age stories, a great pop song, or all of the above, this is a must-watch.

John Proctor Is The Villain is currently booking at Wyndham’s Theatre from 2 February to 24 April – find your tickets here