Gabriel Byrne will star alongside Geraldine James in the world stage premiere of 45 Years at Chichester Festival Theatre’s Minerva Theatre.
The production is adapted from Andrew Haigh’s critically acclaimed 2015 film, with the stage version written by Hannah Patterson and directed by Prasanna Puwanarajah.
45 Years runs from 12 June to 11 July, with a press night scheduled for Thursday 18 June.
Gabriel Byrne returns to the UK stage to make his Chichester debut as Geoff, marking a rare theatre appearance following a celebrated international stage and screen career.
Geraldine James also comes to Chichester for the first time, playing Kate, following acclaimed work across stage and television in the UK and internationally.
Set in the week leading up to Kate and Geoff’s wedding anniversary, the play follows preparations for a celebratory party that are quietly disrupted by a letter from Switzerland.
As the couple choose music for their first dance, the discovery of long-buried secrets begins to fracture the foundations of their marriage.
The story centres on memory, love and time, asking whether the past is truly another country or whether it is destined to return.
Director Prasanna Puwanarajah makes his Chichester Festival Theatre debut, fresh from winning the 2025 UK Theatre Award for Best Director for Twelfth Night at the RSC.
The creative team includes designer James Cotterill, lighting designer Guy Hoare, composer Ruth Barrett and sound designer Beth Duke.
Movement is by Natasha Harrison, with casting by Matilda James CDG.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
