World premiere of THE PIANIST coming to Park Theatre this autumn

About The Pianist

Wladyslaw Szpilman’s memoir was the inspiration for Roman Polanski’s Academy Award-winning 2002 film starring Adrien Brody. Szpilman was a Polish Jewish concert pianist living in Warsaw in the 1930s, whose thriving career and peaceful family life is overturned by the Nazi invasion of Poland. Szpilman's family is rounded up and sent to a death camp, but Szpilman is pulled from the train at the last second and forced into hiding in Warsaw.

The musical

Written and directed by Thom Southerland (Titanic the Musical), this landmark new production brings this remarkable true story to the stage, featuring Szpilman’s own music with new lyrics and freshly orchestrated by Simon Lee, Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s long time Musical Director. It will mark the first time Szpilman's music and story have been brought together onstage.

A cast of virtuoso actor-musicians come together to conjure up the golden age of Jewish Warsaw, from packed concert halls to candlelit cafes, painting a portrait of a city that loved music above all else. The musical features original compositions from the so-called 'Polish Gershwin', popular songs and compositions that brought Szpilman fame and renown. It has been described as a love letter to artists and dreamers, and to the extraordinary power of creativity to outlast even the most turbulent chapters of history.

Sutherland said, "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."

Casting and creative team will be announced soon.

When is The Pianist playing?

Before its London opening, the production will play a limited run at Mayflower Studios, Southampton, from 8 to 12 September 2026. It will then premiere at the Park Theatre on 15 October until 28 November 2026.

The Pianist Tickets