Melanie La Barrie takes on the role of Death in the concert performances of The Book Thief, coming to London’s Prince of Wales Theatre. Based on Markus Zusak’s internationally acclaimed novel, the musical adaptation explores themes of humanity, resistance, and the power of words.
La Barrie, fresh from her award-winning turn in Hadestown, leads a stellar creative team in this one-night-only event. With music by Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson, and a libretto by Jodi Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald, the show promises a haunting and beautiful experience.
The Book Thief will be performed on Sunday 19 October 2025 at 5pm and Sunday 26th October at 1.30pm and 6pm. Tickets are available now via Delfont Mackintosh Theatres.
The Book Thief is narrated by Death, a role you’re taking on – how did you approach this unique character?
I wanted my version of Death to be a sort of everyman. The way I see it, death is always around; it is the one fundamental event that we all have in common, but we don’t often regard it until it’s time.
So I wanted Death to be the kind of person you’d find wandering around in everyday life, present but unnoticed, taking up space but unseen. Not important until she becomes important to each person.
I also wanted Death to feel it all, to imagine what happens to an entity that has felt an eternity of all living life. It’s so much fun to play a character who feels things, rather than one devoid of emotion, just watching on from the sidelines.
You’ve played iconic roles in Hadestown, &Juliet, and Wicked – how does The Book Thief compare to your previous work?
If you know anything about me, you will know that I’m not a fan of comparison. Each experience is unique; each one contributes a great deal to the artist that I am, to the human I try to be.
Book Thief is no different; it is a unique gift that is pouring into me and filling me to the brim with its gifts.
What has it been like working with the creative team behind this concert production?
I have worked with Tom Jackson Greaves before, as a choreographer for the Liverpool Everyman Repertory Company return in 2017, and again more recently as a director, and I am thrilled to spend time with him again.
Having our incredible writers, Jodi and Tim, in the room is a godsend. I feel like a child on Christmas morning going into work every day.
The story deals with powerful themes of resistance, language, and memory – what resonates most with you personally?
I like the idea of a quiet challenge. I like the idea of resistance in the form of persistence. I like the idea of your presence being your protest.
These are all personal mottos of mine. You’ll find them littered everywhere throughout this piece.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see The Book Thief?
Stop thinking about it and get your tickets. They’re going fast!
