Production images have been released for the world premiere of The Pianist, a major new musical stage adaptation of Wladyslaw Szpilman’s acclaimed memoir. Following initial performances at Mayflower Studios in Southampton, the production plays a limited London season at the Park Theatre from 15 October to 28 November 2026, with a national press night taking place on Thursday 22 October.
Adapted and directed by Thom Southerland, the production marks the first time Szpilman’s story and music are brought together on stage. The piece features original compositions from Szpilman—celebrated as the "Polish Gershwin"—with new musical arrangements, supervision, and orchestrations by Simon Lee. The score combines his original works with new lyrics contributed by an international group of writers, including two-time Grammy nominee Carol Connors, David Batteau, Wendy Lands, Jim Gillard, Michael Ruff, and Szpilman’s son, Andreas Szpilman.
The landmark production stars Daniel Krikler as Wladyslaw Szpilman, leading a cast of virtuoso actor-musicians including Rosalind Ford as Mother, Oliver Grant as Hosenfeld, TJ Holmes as Father, Mischa Jardine as Janina, Elzbieta Kalicka as Regina, Nitai Levi as Henryk, Melania Maggiore as Halina, and Max Roll as Gimpel/Majorek, alongside ensemble members Oliver Magor and Erin Rowlatt.
Set against the backdrop of Jewish Warsaw during its golden age, the production portrays the warmth, concert halls, and candlelit cafés of a city driven by music, before following Szpilman's journey of survival through the Holocaust. The show stands as a tribute to culture, memory, and the extraordinary power of creativity to outlast history's most turbulent chapters.
Produced by Wolk Transfer Company and Willette Klausner by special arrangement with Andreas Szpilman, the creative team also features 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, and musical direction by Malcolm Forbes-Peckham. Tickets and performance schedules are available directly via the Park Theatre website.
