Michael Portillo - A Life of Two Halves

Live at

Richmond Theatre

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Sun 15 Feb 2026

Tickets available from £35.46

subject to a transaction fee of £3.95

Talk

Secretary of State. Traveller. TV superstar. The inimitable Michael Portillo joins us live on stage to share funny, insightful, and poignant stories from his extraordinarily rich and varied life.

Richmond Theatre

change

Sun 15 Feb 2026

Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ

Sun at 19:30

Age guidance: 14+ at the discretion of a parent or guardian.

For group bookings of 10 or more:

Submit a request online

Or call 020 7206 1174

The son of a refugee who rose to become one of Britain’s leading politicians and best loved broadcasters, Michael Portillo’s life has been a game of two halves. As a statesman he served under Margaret Thatcher, ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party, and lost his seat in one of the most famous moments in British political history, only to become one of the nation’s favourite broadcasters, sparring with Diane Abbott and Andrew O’Neill and enthralling millions of us with his travels on the world’s greatest railways.

In this unique stage show, Michael will share his life story, from his late father’s experiences of the Spanish Civil War and escape to England, where he and Michael’s mother met while looking after refugee children, all the way to his present-day adventures travelling across Spain, the USA, India, and beyond.

We’ll hear Michael’s funny and insightful observations about his old boss Margaret Thatcher and his reflections on the decay of political power. He’ll tell us about his break into TV – including the time he became a single mum… And, of course, we’ll hear about the great railway journeys he has undertaken and what they can tell us about the history and state of the world today.

Whether you are passionate about politics or a fan of Michael’s many international adventures, this is an unmissable treat. All aboard!

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Richmond Theatre

Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ

Richmond (District Line), Overground (SW Trains)

The Box Office is open for 90 minutes prior to the performance commencing. Please note we will not be open on days we do not have any performances. See the ‘What’s On’ section for performance times.

About

Getting here

Access

Bar - Pre-show & interval drinks and snacks

Ambassador Lounge - Pre-show & interval table service (Charge applies)

One of the oldest surviving theatres designed by iconic architect Frank Matcham, Richmond Theatre has sat in the heart of the local community since 1899.

The beautiful Grade II-listed venue presents a wide range of quality shows, from pre- and post-West End Drama to record-breaking musicals, opera, dance and family entertainment.

The theatre is also a popular filming location, having been used for film and TV including Finding Neverland, Bugsy Malone, Killing Eve and Ted Lasso.

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See other shows at this venue

Richmond Theatre

change

Sun 15 Feb 2026

Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ

Sun at 19:30

Age guidance: 14+ at the discretion of a parent or guardian.

For group bookings of 10 or more:

Submit a request online

Or call 020 7206 1174

Join ATG+, the UK's best live entertainment membership to enjoy these benefits and much more across 35+ venues:

Priority booking and ringfenced seats

Ticket offers and no transaction fees

Flexible tickets

Join today