Written and directed by Thom Southerland, The Pianist will play a limited run at Mayflower Studios from Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 September 2026
This is following the semi-staged workshop created with Wolk Transfer Company and Mayflower Southampton in April 2025.
A cast of virtuoso actor-musicians conjures the golden age of Jewish Warsaw in all its warmth and wit: the packed concert halls, the candlelit cafés, the irrepressible spirit of a city that loved music above all else.
Original compositions from the so-called “Polish Gershwin” score his story: popular songs that had Warsaw humming, compositions that made him a star.
At its heart, this is a love letter to culture, to the artists and dreamers who carried it, and to the extraordinary power of creativity to outlast even the most turbulent chapters of history. Szpilman’s music doesn’t merely accompany this story; it breathes life into it, binding past to present and reminding us that some things, once made, can never truly be silenced.
Szpilman’s memoir became known worldwide as the basis for Roman Polanski’s Academy Award-winning film, but this production marks the first time his music and story are brought together in a major musical for the stage.
Daniel Krikler will star as Wladyslaw Szpilman.
“I couldn’t be more honoured and excited to be bringing Wladyslaw’s life to the stage,” says Daniel, “Especially in a way that truly celebrates his own compositions through phenomenal live musicians and orchestrations.
“As well as being a timely reminder of what happens when we dehumanise a particular section of society, Szpilman’s story demonstrates the true universality and power of music.
“Best known worldwide through his memoir and the Academy Award-winning film it inspired, Wladyslaw Szpilman was not only a Holocaust survivor, but one of Poland’s most celebrated composers and pianists.”
The production will feature new lyrics by an international group of writers and musicians, bringing fresh voice to Szpilman’s original compositions. The lyricists and songwriters include two-time Grammy nominee Carol Connors, acclaimed songwriter David Batteau, jazz singer Wendy Lands and collaborator Jim Gillard, Grammy-nominated Michael Ruff, Szpilman’s son Andreas Szpilman, and award-winning lyricist Marcy Heisler. Together, their work allows Szpilman’s music to sit at the heart of the production, not simply as accompaniment, but as another voice in the telling of his story
The creative team is led by adaptor and director Thom Southerland, with new arrangements and musical supervision by Simon Lee, choreography & movement direction by Karen Bruce, with set and video design by Andrzej Goulding, lighting design by Robbie Butler, sound design by Gareth Tucker for Autograph Sound, costume design by Jonathan Lipman, musical direction by Malcolm Forbes-Peckham, assistant direction by Josh Whatsize, casting by Ginny Schiller CDG and casting assistance by Ben Armstrong.
“The Pianist is a story that has lived with me for many years, and I feel deeply honoured to be bringing it to the stage,” adds Thom. “At its heart is Władysław Szpilman’s extraordinary journey of survival, but what moves me most is the humanity that shines through the darkest of circumstances.
“It is a story about compassion, courage, and the moments of kindness that can change the course of a life.
“As we prepare to share The Pianist with audiences, I am reminded of why this story continues to resonate across generations. In a world that can often feel divided, it reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of art to sustain us, connect us, and, at times, save us.
“I hope audiences are moved not only by what Szpilman endured, but by what he created, and by the enduring belief that even in the darkest moments, humanity and beauty can prevail.”
Tickets for The Pianist (Wednesday 9 – Saturday 12 September 2026) are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.
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