A new musical inspired by Georg Büchner’s classic tragedy Woyzeck will receive its London premiere at Charing Cross Theatre this autumn.
Franz & Marie, produced by ACOM and Steven M Levy for Charing Cross Theatre Productions Limited, runs from 28 September to 14 November 2026, with a press night on 5 October.
The production features a book and lyrics by the late Chris Broderick, newly adapted by Teresa Howard, with music by Broderick and Rob Shepherd. Additional music, arrangements and orchestrations are by Steven Edis.
Originally commissioned by the award-winning Korean company ACOM and created by members of cult Kent band The Singing Loins, the musical has been reimagined for a new production featuring a cast of 14 actor-musicians.
Directed by Michael Oakley, Franz & Marie brings new life to Büchner’s seminal work through a score described as “soul-rattling Indie Raw Folk”.
Set in the world of late nineteenth-century European folklore, the story follows Franz Woyzeck, a soldier haunted by traumatic visions after returning from the front line. Separated from his beloved Marie and their child by the constraints of war, Franz struggles to maintain hope as the boundaries between reality and nightmare begin to dissolve.
The production explores themes of class prejudice, toxic masculinity and social inequality, while retaining the dark humour and tragic intensity that made Woyzeck a theatrical landmark.
In this new adaptation, Marie takes a more central role in the narrative, with the creative team expanding her story and placing her alongside Franz at the heart of the musical.
The creative team includes choreography by Ben Wright, lighting design by Christopher Nairne, sound design by Andrew Johnson and Oscar Cotran, and set and costume design by Bretta Gerecke.
Franz & Marie is produced by South Korean theatre company ACOM, whose previous productions include The Last Empress, Hero and the award-winning Arang: Dreamland of the Peach Blossoms. The original musical adaptation of Woyzeck was first staged in Seoul in 2014 before being revised and retitled for its London premiere.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
