Martin Guerre returns to London at The Old Vic from 1–31 October 2026 in an all-new, semi-staged In The Round version of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Olivier Award-winning musical. Rehearsal photography is now out, tickets are on sale, and the run includes Audio Described, BSL interpreted, Captioned and Relaxed performances.
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Martin Guerre Returns to London
Martin Guerre returns to the London stage in a newly reimagined form. The Old Vic describes the 2026 run as a preview production of semi-staged performances, presented In The Round. It features new music, new lyrics and new folk-inflected orchestrations, with Matthew Warchus developing and directing the production.
The musical comes from Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, the creators of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon. Rather than simply recreating the earlier version, this production has been substantially re-thought for its Old Vic run.
What Is Martin Guerre About?
The musical draws on the extraordinary historical Martin Guerre case from 16th-century France. Martin disappears from his home and young wife, Bertrande, only for a man claiming to be him to return years later. Questions of identity, love, deception, faith and law begin to engulf the community.
For this new version, The Old Vic says Bertrande’s choices sit at the emotional heart of the story.
From the Creators of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon
The book is by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, with music by Schönberg. New lyrics are by Boublil, Annabel Mutale Reed and Paul Hodge, alongside lyrics by Boublil and Stephen Clark, original French lyrics by Boublil and additional material by Hodge.
Cast
The current company listed by The Old Vic includes Liv Andrusier as Bertrande, Adam Pearce as Father Dominic, Colin Ryan as Benoit, Caroline Sheen as Madame de Rols, Barney Wilkinson as Guillaume, Monique Ashe-Palmer, Nathaniel Purnell as Swing and Gabriella Stylianou in the ensemble. The production’s previously announced company also includes Alex James-Hatton, Shane O’Riordan and Aaron Lee Lambert.
Cast information can change; check The Old Vic’s current production page before your visit.
Creative Team
- Book: Alain Boublil & Claude-Michel Schönberg
- Music: Claude-Michel Schönberg
- Developed & directed by: Matthew Warchus
- Set & Costume: Rob Howell
- Choreography: Lizzi Gee
- Lighting: Hugh Vanstone, Luca Panetta & Toby Ison
- Sound: Fergus O’Hare
- Orchestrator: Tom Curran
- Musical Supervisor: Chris Poon
- Musical Director: Matthew Jackson
- Casting: Will Burton for Grindrod Burton Casting
- Dialect: Nick Trumble
- Fights: Kate Waters
- Assistant Director: Jennifer Lane Baker
- Associate Set: Megan Rouse
- Associate Costume: Lucy Gaiger
- Associate Choreography: Stuart Winter
- Associate Sound: Zachary Woodman
- Assistant Musical Director: Olivia Zacharia
- Wigs, Hair & Make Up: Campbell Young Associates
- Props Supervisor: Katie Saunders for Propworks
- Orchestral Management: David Gallagher & Maisy Shaw
Martin Guerre Rehearsal Photos
The newly released rehearsal photographs offer a first look inside the rehearsal room as the company prepares this reimagined semi-staged production.
Rehearsal photography: Manuel Harlan.
Dates and Venue
Dates: 1–31 October 2026
Venue: The Old Vic, The Cut, London SE1 8NB
Format: Preview production of semi-staged performances, In The Round
Running time: TBC
Age guidance: 12+
Tickets
Standard ticket prices currently listed by The Old Vic range from £14.50–£71.50 off-peak and £16.50–£76.50 peak, subject to availability and change. Clarissa’s Corner also has a tracked LOVEtheatre booking link below.
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Why See Martin Guerre?
This is a rare chance to encounter Martin Guerre in a form that deliberately revisits the material rather than simply reviving the 1990s production. The combination of a revised score, folk-influenced orchestrations, In The Round staging and a semi-staged format should make this a particularly interesting prospect for musical-theatre fans curious about how major works evolve.
It is also Matthew Warchus’s final production as Artistic Director of The Old Vic.
Accessibility
The Old Vic has confirmed Audio Described, BSL interpreted, Captioned and Relaxed performances for Martin Guerre.
- Audio Described: Monday 26 October at 7.30pm, with Touch Tour at 5.30pm; Saturday 31 October at 2.30pm, with Touch Tour at 12 noon.
- BSL interpreted: Wednesday 28 October at 7.30pm; Saturday 31 October at 2.30pm.
- Captioned: Friday 30 October at 7.30pm; Saturday 31 October at 2.30pm.
- Relaxed: Saturday 31 October at 2.30pm. This performance is also Audio Described, BSL interpreted and Captioned, with a Touch Tour at 12 noon.
The Old Vic’s free Access Membership provides online seat recommendations, including step-free and wheelchair spaces and seating positioned for access services. For Martin Guerre, the current Access rate is £23.50–£26.50, with one companion ticket available at the same price. Step-free access is available to designated areas of the Stalls/Stage Stalls, and accessible toilet provision is available in the building.
Practical Information
The Old Vic is on The Cut, London SE1 8NB, close to Waterloo. The theatre is operating In The Round during its 2026 season, so the auditorium configuration differs from its traditional layout. The Old Vic has a Visual Story for the current configuration and recommends Access Members use its seat recommendations when booking for specific requirements.
FAQ
Is Martin Guerre a musical?
Yes. It is an Olivier Award-winning musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, presented at The Old Vic in a newly reimagined version.
Is Martin Guerre based on a true story?
Yes. Its story is rooted in the famous 16th-century French case of Martin Guerre and the man who later claimed his identity.
When is Martin Guerre at The Old Vic?
It runs from 1–31 October 2026.
Is this the original version of Martin Guerre?
No. The Old Vic describes this as an all-new version, with new music, new lyrics, folk-inflected orchestrations and new In The Round staging.
How long is Martin Guerre?
The running time is currently TBC.
What age is Martin Guerre suitable for?
The Old Vic currently gives the production age guidance of 12+.
Are accessible performances available?
Yes. Audio Described, BSL interpreted, Captioned and Relaxed performances are scheduled, with Touch Tours attached to the Audio Described performances.
Where is The Old Vic?
The Old Vic is at The Cut, London SE1 8NB.
How can I book Martin Guerre tickets?
Tickets can be booked through authorised ticket sellers. Clarissa’s Corner’s LOVEtheatre affiliate link is included in the Tickets section above.
More Theatre on Clarissa’s Corner
Planning more autumn theatre? Explore our Autumn 2026 theatre guide, browse the Theatre & Culture hub, or read our guide to Thelma & Louise at the Young Vic for another major musical playing nearby this autumn.
