Oscar Winner Jessie Buckley to Earn £140 Daily in West End Play

Jessie Buckley, an Academy Award winner known for commanding fees of up to £4.5 million per film, is set to star in a new play titled "Afterbirth" at London's Royal Court Theatre. Buckley, 36, will be paid a daily rate of £140, or £971 for the entire run, as she will receive the same 'company rate' as other actors, according to David Byrne, the Royal Court's artistic director.

This pay structure aligns with West End union agreements. The limited run of "Afterbirth" will see Buckley perform in eight shows per week. The Royal Court Theatre, with a capacity of 400 seats, has attracted notable actors such as John Lithgow, Tilda Swinton, and Gary Oldman, who have received the same compensation.

Byrne stated that the theatre's "real momentum" and its focus on original plays make it a "tantalising proposition for actors, directors, designers and particularly playwrights." This contrasts with reports of much higher weekly earnings for some Hollywood actors in other West End productions.

Byrne indicated that he sensed Buckley's interest in returning to theatre and believed he knew what would "excite her." "Afterbirth," written by Nina Segal and directed by Maria Aberg, is described as a "funny, furious and unflinching" exploration of life after birth and parenthood. The play is scheduled to debut on January 15, 2028, and will run until February 26, 2028.

The Royal Court's upcoming season also features other notable productions. "The Apology," starring Emmy-winner Tobias Menzies, will run from March 19 to April 24. The play delves into themes of sexual violence and atonement.

Additionally, the theatre will host the European premiere of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins's "Purpose," a Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about a prominent African-American political family dealing with emerging secrets. This production will run from January 16 to February 27.

Juliet Stevenson will lead "The Briar Patch," a domestic thriller by Ciara Elizabeth Smyth, directed by Byrne. The play, which examines community scandals and trust, runs from May 14 to June 26.

"War Face," by Georgie Dettmer, developed with British Army veterans, will run from April 22 to May 1.

Benjamin Kuffour's "Working Men," about a routine site visit that takes a dramatic turn, will have its world premiere from June 4 to July 10.

Alex Medland's "We're Gonna Kill Billy," an eco-thriller about teenagers plotting to kidnap a billionaire's grandson, will run from February 18 to March 27.

The season also includes the fourth edition of the theatre's open submission festival for emerging writers and the third year of the Young Playwrights Award festival for writers aged 13 to 18.

Byrne described the season's program as "knotty, original, adventurous new plays" that find a unique home at the Royal Court Theatre.