The first revival of Firebird by Phil Davies has been announced, with the production set to run at Southwark Playhouse Borough this summer.
Presented by Double Telling, the revival marks the play’s return to the London stage more than a decade after its 2015 premiere. The production is directed by Marlie Haco, Artistic Director of Double Telling.
Firebird opens on Wednesday 15 July, with previews from 9 July, and will run until Saturday 1 August 2026. The press night takes place on Wednesday 15 July at 7.30pm.
The play explores an ongoing national scandal, focusing on the grooming and exploitation of young people, and the redemptive power of friendship in the face of male violence.
Playwright Phil Davies said, “I’m excited by the vision that Marlie has for this production and can’t wait to see it realised. When I wrote Firebird, I hoped its subject matter would quickly become obsolete. The sad fact is that, ten years on, it’s arguably even more urgent an issue than ever.”
Director Marlie Haco added, “Firebird confronts unthinkable realities with extraordinary compassion. Over a decade on from its first production, the play’s exploration of grooming and exploitation is unfortunately more relevant than ever. To counter that, I intend to direct this revival as a celebration of the redemptive power of female friendship in the face of male violence. Above all, I would love the production to offer a sense of recognition – and hope – to the survivors it seeks to represent. I feel incredibly lucky to be bringing such an accomplished and important drama back to the stage.”
The production follows two teenage girls who form an unexpected friendship at a local youth centre. When one of them is drawn into the orbit of an older man, their relationship is tested in devastating ways.
Described as funny and tender, Firebird exposes the realities of grooming gangs while questioning what it takes to be believed.
For this revival, Double Telling is consulting with journalist Anna Hall, maker of the 2025 documentary Groomed: A National Scandal. The company is also partnering with charities including One in Four, Lasting Support, and Together, Southwark Wellbeing Hub, to raise awareness and support survivors of child sexual exploitation.
The creative team includes set designer Tomás Palmer, costume designer Sarah Mercadé, composer and sound designer Ákos Lustyik, lighting designer Ben Jacobs, and casting directors Gabriella Shimeld-Fenn and Annelie Powell.
This production reunites OFFIE nominees Marlie Haco and Tomás Palmer, alongside Olivier Award winner Ben Jacobs, offering a fresh perspective on Phil Davies’ debut drama.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
