The world premiere of The Pianist, a new musical adaptation of Wladyslaw Szpilman’s memoir, the inspiration behind Roman Polanski’s Academy Award-winning film, is set to take place at Park Theatre this autumn.
Written and directed by Thom Southerland, the new production brings Szpilman’s own music with new lyrics and freshly orchestrated by Simon Lee, Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s long time musical director, to the stage for the very first time.
A cast of virtuoso actor-musicians conjures the golden age of Jewish Warsaw in all its warmth and wit: the packed concert halls, the candlelit cafés, the irrepressible spirit of a city that loved music above all else.
Original compositions from the so-called “Polish Gershwin” score his story: popular songs that had Warsaw humming, compositions that made him a star.
At its heart, this is a love letter to culture, to the artists and dreamers who carried it, and to the extraordinary power of creativity to outlast even the most turbulent chapters of history. Szpilman’s music doesn’t merely accompany this story; it breathes life into it, binding past to present and reminding us that some things, once made, can never truly be silenced.
Szpilman’s memoir became known worldwide as the basis for Polanski’s film, but this production marks the first time his music and story are brought together in a major musical for the stage.
Casting and creative team to be announced.
The Pianist will run at Park Theatre from October 15 – November 28, 2026. Tickets here.
Top image: The Pianist artwork (image supplied)