Levi Brown stars as Christian in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s acclaimed production of Cyrano de Bergerac, now transferring to the West End.
Following a celebrated run in Stratford-upon-Avon, this bold new adaptation by Simon Evans and Debris Stevenson arrives at the Noël Coward Theatre, featuring Adrian Lester and Susannah Fielding leading a stellar cast.
Cyrano de Bergerac runs at the Noël Coward Theatre from 13 June to 5 September 2026, with tickets available here.
You’re starring in Cyrano de Bergerac at the Noël Coward Theatre, what can you tell us about the show?
It’s got a bit of everything, really. It’s funny, romantic, and heartbreaking. There are sword fights, poetry, and people making terrible decisions because they’re in love.
But underneath all of that, it’s a very human story. It’s about wanting to be seen, wanting to be loved, and what happens when fear gets in the way of honesty.
That feels so relatable, regardless of what century you’re in.
You play Christian in this production, how would you describe the character and their journey?
I think Christian often gets written off as the handsome idiot, but Simon Evans and Debris Stevenson have written him with slightly more depth, which has allowed me to delve further into who he is.
To me, he’s a young lad who’s come from a completely different world. He’s emotionally intelligent, curious, and brave, but he doesn’t have the language to express what’s going on inside him.
I think his journey is really about self-worth. Similar to Cyrano, he spends a lot of the play believing he’s not enough as he is and trying to become someone else to deserve love.
I think a lot of people can relate to that.
This version of Cyrano de Bergerac has been newly adapted by Simon Evans and Debris Stevenson, what makes it feel fresh and relevant for audiences today?
The thing that’s really struck me is how modern the themes feel. It’s about identity, self-image, and the gap between who we actually are and who we choose to present to the world.
We’ve all got versions of ourselves now, whether that’s online or in real life.
In a way, Cyrano feels like the original social media story. It’s people trying to connect while hiding behind carefully curated images of themselves and chosen words.
You’re performing alongside Adrian Lester and Susannah Fielding, what has that collaboration been like in rehearsal and performance?
It’s been brilliant. They’re both incredibly generous, which is the best thing you can ask for in a rehearsal room.
Honestly, one of my favourite parts of the job is getting into a room with brilliant people and trying to make something great together. So coming back and working with both of them again, and knowing we’re all equally invested in this show, feels pretty special.
The show blends humour, romance, and heartbreak, how do you approach balancing those different tones on stage?
I try not to think about the tones too much, if I’m honest.
I think if you chase comedy, you lose it, and if you chase tragedy, you lose that as well. I reckon it’s just about playing the truth of the moment.
If you stay honest, the audience does the rest.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Cyrano de Bergerac?
I’d say come and see it because it’s a proper night at the theatre. It’s funny, moving, surprising, and it looks absolutely beautiful.
I know people say stuff like this all the time about their shows, but I really do believe it when I say I think there’s a little bit of all of us somewhere in these characters.
Whether it’s Cyrano, Roxane, or Christian, I think everyone knows what it feels like to want something, to be scared of saying it, and to wonder if they’re enough.
Also, there are a few sword fights.
