Poster for the play "Down the Road" by Lee Blessing, directed by Tracy Mathewson, running from March 4th to 29th at the Playhouse East in London. The poster features close-up images of a woman's and a man's eyes, with the title "Down the Road" in large red letters across the images. Additional text includes the venue address, ticket prices, showtimes, and a QR code.
A circular logo with red and blue text that reads 'American Made' and 'American Theater of London' and features stars around the inner circle, indicating it is a stamp or label.

Down the Road

By Lee Blessing, Directed By Tracy Mathewson

This production marks Down the Road’s UK revival since 2003 from award-winning playwright Lee Blessing, who has been called “America’s most imaginative playwright on public issues” by Time Magazine.

Man with dark hair and beard holding a crumpled piece of paper, talking intensely to a woman with blond hair, in a dimly lit room. From Down the Road by Lee Blessing
Woman with long curly hair standing indoors, wearing a beige blouse and white pants, gesturing with her hands while speaking. From Down the Road by Lee Blessing

A true-blue journalist couple is hired to interview Bill Reach, a young, sadistic serial killer, for his tell-all book. With dreams of starting their own family and hopes of this being their big break, Iris and Dan are drawn closer into Reach's chilling yet alluring orbit and unwittingly take their work home with them.

When grisly tales captivate and shock value sells, how will Dan and Iris navigate the fine line between journalistic integrity and glorifying the actions of Bill Reach?

Tracy Mathewson directs "Down the Road" in a modern-day revival of Lee Blessing’s 1991 play that originally set Dan and Iris' journey amidst the public’s then-fresh fascination with serial killers. Today, though, when the world of true crime saturates pop culture, podcasts, and television, the public's appetite for serial killer psychology is no longer salacious… it's ordinary. Mathewson sets this morality play from the 90s firmly in the 21st century to see just how far our dark enchantment with true crime goes. 

This gripping psychological thriller explores the complex intersection of true crime, ethics, and the allure of killers in our culture. Don’t miss "Down the Road", a limited run at Playhouse East. Must close March 29th

PRAISE FOR DOWN THE ROAD

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ”The intensity of the play is remarkably maintained throughout the entire 90 minutes…..This epic production brings the horrific brutality and mercilessness of murder to life in front of us in a way very few performances could. The masterful writing (Lee Blessing) and the pinpoint direction (Tracey Mathewson) mean that in every scene, we are left wanting more.” -A Spy In the Stalls.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Down the Road" is a powerful production that challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths, marking a great inaugural show for American Theater of London.” -London Theatre Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A gripping and thought-provoking revival that challenges our obsession with true crime while delivering a standout performance from Joshua Collins” - A Youngish Perspective

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I found myself completely riveted by the mind games and the struggle of both the journalists and the serial killer to control the narrative. “ -Jack The Lad

March 4 - 29, 2025

Playhouse East 258 Kingsland Rd, LDN, E8 4DG

Two men having a serious conversation at a table in a dimly lit room, with one man gesturing and the other listening with a notebook and pen. From Down the Road by Lee Blessing
A young man with curly hair and glasses, wearing a white t-shirt, is sitting on a chair in a room with blue walls and black chairs in the background. From Down the Road by Lee Blessing

We are thrilled to be partnering with Crime Con for our inaugural production!

CrimCon UK logo with fingerprint and yellow circle background

Click Here ☝️

CrimeCon UK is the ultimate true crime event for those passionate about understanding crime through an ethical lens. Partnered by TRUE CRIME, the expert-led documentary and series channel, CrimeCon UK is returning to London on June 7-8 and debuting in Manchester on September 27, 2025. This unique experience brings together survivors, victims’ families, criminologists, law enforcement professionals, and true crime enthusiasts to share stories in a compassionate, inquisitive, and supportive environment.

The event emphasizes advocacy, discovery, and education, with responsible storytelling at the heart of its content. Attendees will engage with forensic experts, investigative journalists, and leading true crime creators to explore crime’s impact on victims and society. CrimeCon UK is more than an event—it’s a platform where the voices that most need to be heard can share their stories.

Enjoy this Discount Code for Crime Con : DOWNTHEROAD

Two men sitting across from each other at a table engaged in a serious conversation, with one man gesturing with his hands and the other holding a pen and taking notes. From Down the Road by Lee Blessing
Man and woman standing face to face in a room, leaning on a table, engaging in conversation, with a large industrial-style overhead light above them. From Down the Road by Lee Blessing
A woman with curly blonde hair looking down in a dimly lit room. From Down the Road by Lee Blessing
A woman with long curly blonde hair talking and gestures with her hands inside a bedroom with a bed, nightstand, and open closet in the background. From Down the Road by Lee Blessing
A man with dark hair and a beard, sitting at a table, resting his chin on his hand, with a thoughtful expression. Dark background, dim lighting. From Down the Road by Lee Blessing
A man with dark hair and a beard holding a paper and speaking to a woman with curly hair sitting across from him at a table in a dark room. From Down the Road by Lee Blessing
A man with brown hair and a beard, wearing a dark grey prison jumpsuit, standing and smiling with his hands in front of him, in a dimly lit room. From Down the Road by Lee Blessing
Three people having a discussion around a table in a dimly lit room. One person is standing lean with their elbows on the table, and two are seated, looking at the standing person. From Down the Road
Two people sit at a table engaged in conversation, with one facing away and the other smiling, in a dark room. From Down the Road by Lee Blessing
Two people, a woman and a man, embrace and laugh happily in a room with a bed, nightstand, and framed picture on the wall behind them. From Down the Road by Lee Blessing
A woman and a man sitting at a table in a dimly lit room, engaged in a conversation. The woman has long, curly hair and while the man has dark hair and a beard, wearing green prison scrubs and holding a piece of paper. From Down the Road
A young man with curly hair and glasses sitting on a black chair, wearing a white T-shirt with a graphic of sneakers and the word 'Downtown', with a watch on his left wrist, in a room with light blue walls and a dark curtain in the background.
Two men sit across from each other at a table in a dimly lit room, engaged in a conversation. One man has a beard and wears glasses, while the other has curly hair and wears a skull graphic t-shirt under a jacket.
A man sitting on a bed in a hotel room, holding a phone, wearing a white t-shirt with sneakers printed on it and dark jeans, with a lamp and a framed picture in the background. From Down the Road by Lee Blessing
Two men sitting at a table engaged in a serious discussion in a dark room with theatrical lighting. From Down the Road by Lee Blessing
Three people having a conversation in a dimly lit room. They sit around a table, with two on one side and one on the other. The person on the right is dressed in green prison scrubs, with tattoos on his arm, while the other two are casually dressed,
A woman with curly hair, wearing a tan jacket, white pants, and black combat boots, is sitting on a bed in a room with a floral bedspread, holding a recording device. From Down the Road by Lee Blessing

Meet the Team