The Pianist, the new musical stage adaptation of Wladyslaw Szpilman’s internationally bestselling memoir, is heading to London’s Park Theatre from 15 October to 28 November 2026 following its September run at Mayflower Studios in Southampton.
Adapted and directed by Thom Southerland, the production brings Szpilman’s story together with his own music on stage, with Daniel Krikler leading the company as Wladyslaw Szpilman.
Planning to see it? Tickets are now on sale for the limited Park Theatre season. Check The Pianist dates, prices and live availability at Park Theatre →
The Pianist at a glance
- London venue: Park Theatre
- Dates: 15 October–28 November 2026
- Lead: Daniel Krikler as Wladyslaw Szpilman
- Adapted and directed by: Thom Southerland
- Music: Wladyslaw Szpilman
- Musical supervision, orchestrations and arrangements: Simon Lee
What is The Pianist musical about?
The production is based on Szpilman’s memoir and uses his own compositions to tell the story through memory, music and survival. Set against Warsaw before, during and after the Second World War, it follows Szpilman as his memories of family, friends, fellow musicians and those he encountered during the war come vividly back to him.
The show is built around an ensemble of actor-musicians, with Szpilman’s music functioning as part of the storytelling rather than simply sitting behind it.
Who is in the cast?
Daniel Krikler plays Wladyslaw Szpilman. The company also includes 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, Max Roll as Gimpel/Majorek, with Oliver Magor and Erin Rowlatt in the ensemble.
Creative team
Alongside Thom Southerland and Simon Lee, the creative team includes Karen Bruce on choreography, Andrzej Goulding on set and video design, Robbie Butler on lighting design, Jonathan Lipman on costume design, Gareth Tucker for Autograph Sound on sound design, Ginny Schiller CDG on casting and Malcolm Forbes-Peckham as musical director and copyist.
Watch the official trailer
An official production trailer has now been released, offering a first look at Daniel Krikler and the fully staged company following the Southampton performances. Clarissa’s Corner also has newly released production photography credited to Anthony Leary-White throughout this guide.
Access and content guidance
The production contains sensitive historical themes, including the Holocaust. Park Theatre currently lists an audio-described performance on 6 November 2026 at 7.30pm. Always check the venue directly before booking in case access information changes.
Why it stands out
This is more than a straightforward stage version of a famous memoir. The strongest hook is the way Szpilman’s own music has been built into the production, giving the story another route into the memories and the cultural world being recreated on stage.
For Clarissa’s Corner readers who gravitate towards theatre, adaptations, history and productions with a strong visual or emotional identity, this is one to keep on the radar for autumn.
Booking The Pianist
The Pianist runs at Park Theatre from 15 October to 28 November 2026. Ticket availability, prices and access details should be checked directly with the venue or official production website before booking.
Check dates and book The Pianist at Park Theatre →
More Theatre on Clarissa’s Corner
Staying around Park Theatre? See Goblin at Park Theatre and Holy Fool at Park Theatre, or browse more theatre guides and reviews across Clarissa’s Corner.
