London News
The Pianist Stage Musical Sets London World Premiere
Written and directed by Thom Southerland, the stage adaptation is based on the memoir that inspired the Oscar-nominated film.
April 02, 2026 By Andrew Gans
The Pianist, a new musical adaptation of Wladyslaw Szpilman’s memoir—the inspiration behind Roman Polanski’s Oscar-nominated film—will make its world premiere at London's Park Theatre October 15–November 28 with an official opening October 22.
Before the musical arrives in London, the production will play a limited run at Mayflower Studios in Southampton September 8-12.
Written and directed by Thom Southerland (Titanic the Musical), the production will feature Szpilman’s own music (with new lyrics) plus fresh orchestrations by Simon Lee, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s long-time musical director.
A cast of actor-musicians to be announced will conjure the golden age of Jewish Warsaw. Original compositions from the so-called "Polish Gershwin" score the story, popular songs that had Warsaw humming, compositions that made Szpilman a star.
Producer Michael Wolk said in a statement, “I've been delighted to see how melding Wladyslaw Szpilman's brilliant melodies with his riveting memoir makes The Pianist a completely new experience, which I can’t wait to share with audiences. The movie and book tell Szpilman's story, but Szpilman's score reveals his heart and soul, which gives our production a remarkable immediacy and intimacy."
Director Sutherland added, “I am delighted that The Pianist will have its London premiere at the sensational Park Theatre. Szpilman’s memoir remains a poignant and timely beacon of hope, the purest example of how art and music can transcend difference and literally save lives. I am eager to share this production with audiences but also to cast the spotlight onto Szpilman’s compositions which this production features more than 30 of. See you at the Park Theatre.”
Polanski's film adaptation was nominated for seven 2003 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. It won three: Best Director for Polanski, Best Actor for Adrien Brody (on Broadway in The Fear of 13), and Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay for Ronald Harwood.
Additional creative team members and ticket information will be announced at a later date.
Wolk Transfer Company is producing.
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