New production images have been released from the world premiere of Faygele, the debut play by Shimmy Braun, currently running at London’s Marylebone Theatre until 31 May 2025. Directed by Hannah Chissick, the powerful coming-of-age drama explores identity, faith, and acceptance within the Orthodox Jewish community.
The cast features Ilan Galkoff (Backstairs Billy, Leopoldstadt) as Ari Freed, a teenage boy whose life is irrevocably changed when a single word from his father at his Bar Mitzvah forces him into a painful journey of self-discovery. Joining him are Ben Caplan (A Sherlock Carol, Call the Midwife), Clara Francis (Leopoldstadt), Andrew Paul (The Bill), and Yiftach Mizrahi (Band of Spies, The Greenhouse Academy).
The production is helmed by Hannah Chissick, known for her work on Jerry’s Girls at the Menier Chocolate Factory and Amour at Charing Cross Theatre. Speaking on the project, Chissick said:
“As someone from a Jewish background, it’s especially thrilling to bring this bold and heartfelt world premiere to the stage. While Faygele is rooted in Orthodox tradition, its themes of identity, marginalisation, and self-acceptance speak universally.”
Set and costume design is by David Shields, with lighting by Nic Farman and sound by Dan Samson. The creative team also includes casting director Rob Kelly, company stage manager Elsie O’Rourke, and executive producers Thomas Hopkins Productions.
About the Play
At 13, Ari’s Bar Mitzvah becomes a moment of profound rupture when his father labels him “faygele” — a Yiddish slur — in front of family and friends. What follows is a deeply moving exploration of identity, belonging, and the tension between tradition and truth. Faygele resonates not only as a queer narrative but as a universal story of adolescence, shame, and survival.
Cast Highlights
Ilan Galkoff (Ari) – Backstairs Billy, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Ben Caplan (Dr Freed) – Call the Midwife, Sunny Afternoon, A Sherlock Carol
Clara Francis (Mrs Freed) – Leopoldstadt, Disobedience
Andrew Paul (Rabbi Lev) – The Bill, EastEnders, Where the Heart Is
Yiftach Mizrahi (Sammy Stein) – Band of Spies, Annie Get Your Gun, West Side Story (Israel)
Listings Information
Faygele
By Shimmy Braun
Directed by Hannah Chissick
Marylebone Theatre, Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London NW1 6XT
30 April – 31 May 2025
Monday–Saturday at 7:30pm | Thursday & Saturday matinees at 2:30pm
Tickets from £25 (+ £2.25 booking fee)
Box Office: 020 7723 7984 | ?? boxoffice@marylebonetheatre.com
faygeleplay.com
Press Night: Tuesday 6 May, 7:30pm
Running Time: 90 minutes
Age Recommendation: 14+
Content Warning: Themes of suicide and death
Photo credit: Jane Hobson
