The Pianist, a new musical stage adaptation of the Wladyslaw Szpilman memoir that inspired Roman Polanski’s film of the same name, is now in rehearsals ahead of performances at London’s Park Theatre this autumn.
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.
The company is led by Daniel Krikler as Wladyslaw Szpilman, alongside Rosalind Ford as Mother, Oliver Grant as Hosenfeld, TJ Holmes as Father, Mischa Jardine as Janina, Elżbieta Kalicka as Regina, Nitai Levi as Henryk, Melania Maggiore as Halina and Max Roll as Gimpel/Majorek, with ensemble members Oliver Magor and Erin Rowlatt.
Written and directed by Thom Southerland, this new production brings Szpilman’s story and music together on stage for the first time, featuring Szpilman’s own compositions with new musical arrangements by Simon Lee, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s long-time musical director.
It is produced by Wolk Transfer Company and Willette Klausner, presented by special production arrangement with Andreas Szpilman, son of the Pianist. The creative team is led by Southerland, choreography & movement direction by Karen Bruce, set and video design by Andrzej Goulding, costume design by Jonathan Lipman, lighting design by Robbie Butler, sound design by Gareth Tucker for Autograph Sound, musical direction by Malcolm Forbes-Peckham, assistant direction by Josh Whatsize and casting by Ginny Schiller & Ben Armstrong, with executive producing and general management by DEM Productions.
The Pianist will run at Park Theatre, London, from October 15 to November 28, 2026. Before its London opening, the production will play a limited run at Mayflower Studios, Southampton.
Tickets here.
Top image: The Pianist rehearsals, credit Rich Southgate (image supplied)