The Hills Of California

Jez Butterworth and Sam Mendes

The Hills of California, is a play by Jez Butterworth and directed by Sam Mendes, that has a rich production background marked by previous collaborations between the playwright and director.

Their notable partnership includes the critically acclaimed play The Ferryman, which received multiple awards and established their reputation for creating compelling, character-driven narratives.

London Production

In its London run, "The Hills of California" was staged at the Harold Pinter Theatre and ran from January 27, 2024, until June 15, 2024. This was a strictly limited engagement, despite strong ticket sales.

Show Backstory

The show features a deep exploration of family dynamics and personal histories, set against a nostalgic and poignant backdrop of an English seaside town in the 1970s. The story revolves around the Webb sisters who return to their childhood home, where their mother lies terminally ill, unveiling a complex web of relationships and past secrets.

Set Design Received Awards

The production in London was noted for its detailed set design by Rob Howell and effective use of music and sound, arranged by Nick Powell, which helped to evoke the era and enhance the emotional landscape of the play.

Positive Audience and Critical Response

The cast for the London production included Laura Donnelly, Leanne Best, Ophelia Lovibond, and Helena Wilson, who brought the Webb sisters to life with strong performances that were well-received by audiences and critics alike.

Broadway Show Version Is 3 Hours Long

This show is the 2nd longest show in duration on Broadway right now, at just over 3 hours. The show has two intermissions of 15 minutes each to break up the acts.