The full cast has been announced for the world premiere of The Pianist, a new musical stage adaptation of Władysław Szpilman’s landmark memoir, which inspired Roman Polanski’s Academy Award-winning film.
Leading the production as Władysław Szpilman is the previously announced Daniel Krikler, joined by Rosalind Ford as Mother, Oliver Grant as Hosenfeld, TJ Holmes as Father, Mischa Jardine as Janina, Elżbieta Kalicka as Regina, Nitai Levi as Henryk, Melania Maggiore as Halina and Max Roll as Gimpel/Majorek.
The cast also includes Oliver Magor and Erin Rowlatt, who will be making her professional stage debut.
Adapted and directed by Thom Southerland, The Pianist will premiere at Mayflower Studios in Southampton from 9 to 12 September 2026 before transferring to Park Theatre, where it runs from 15 October to 28 November 2026. The national press night is scheduled for 22 October.
The production brings Szpilman’s story and music together on stage for the first time, featuring the composer’s original works alongside new musical arrangements by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s long-time musical director Simon Lee.
Set against the backdrop of wartime Warsaw, the musical follows the extraordinary story of Szpilman, who survived the Holocaust while becoming one of Poland’s most celebrated pianists and composers.
Performed by a company of actor-musicians, the production aims to recreate the vibrant cultural life of Jewish Warsaw before the devastation of war, with Szpilman’s music at the heart of the storytelling.
Thom Southerland said: “I’m absolutely delighted by the extraordinary international company we’ve assembled to bring Władysław Szpilman’s remarkable story to life on stage. Throughout the casting process, we have been searching for exceptional performers who are not only outstanding actors, but accomplished musicians and truly versatile storytellers, capable of meeting the unique demands of this production.
“The calibre of talent joining us is exceptional, and I cannot wait to begin rehearsals. Together, this company will honour the humanity, resilience and hope at the heart of Szpilman’s story in what I hope will be a powerful and deeply moving theatrical experience for audiences.”
The creative team includes Simon Lee as musical supervisor and orchestrator, Karen Bruce as choreographer and movement director, Andrzej Goulding as set and video designer, Jonathan Lipman as costume designer, Robbie Butler as lighting designer and Gareth Tucker for Autograph Sound as sound designer.
The production will also feature new lyrics by a team of international writers and musicians, including Carol Connors, David Batteau, Wendy Lands, Jim Gillard, Michael Ruff, Andreas Szpilman and Marcy Heisler.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
