Daniel Krikler will lead the cast of the world premiere of The Pianist, a new musical stage adaptation of Wladyslaw Szpilman’s landmark memoir, opening at Park Theatre this October.
Written and directed by Thom Southerland, the production will run from 15 October to 28 November 2026, with a national press night on 22 October, following a preview engagement at Mayflower Studios in Southampton.
The musical brings Szpilman’s story to the stage for the first time through his own compositions, with new arrangements, musical supervision and orchestrations by Simon Lee.
Best known as the inspiration behind Roman Polanski’s Academy Award-winning film, Szpilman’s memoir recounts his experiences as a Jewish pianist surviving in Warsaw during the Second World War.
Daniel Krikler said, “I couldn’t be more honoured and excited to be bringing Wladyslaw’s life to the stage, 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.”
The production features choreography and movement direction by Karen Bruce, set and video design by Andrzej Goulding, lighting design by Robbie Butler, sound design by Gareth Tucker, costume design by Jonathan Lipman, and musical direction by Malcolm Forbes-Peckham.
New lyrics have been created by an international team of writers including Carol Connors, David Batteau, Wendy Lands, Jim Gillard, Michael Ruff, Andreas Szpilman and Marcy Heisler.
Thom Southerland said, “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. At its heart is Wladyslaw 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.”
He added, “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.”
Producer Michael Wolk said, “I’ve been delighted to see how melding Wladyslaw Szpilman’s brilliant melodies with his riveting memoir makes THE PIANIST a completely new experience. The movie and book tell Szpilman’s story, but Szpilman’s score reveals his heart and soul, which gives our production a remarkable immediacy and intimacy.”
The production will feature a company of actor-musicians, bringing to life the cultural vibrancy of pre-war Warsaw alongside the devastation of Szpilman’s wartime experiences.
At its heart, The Pianist presents Szpilman not only as a survivor, but as an artist whose music continues to resonate across generations.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
