Tao of Glass, created by composer Philip Glass and writer and co-director Phelim McDermott, will receive its West End premiere at @sohoplace this summer. The production runs from 24 July to 12 September 2026, with a press night scheduled for Thursday 30 July at 7pm.
Originally premiering at Manchester International Festival, the piece blends ten meditations on life, death and Taoist philosophy with ten newly composed works by Glass. McDermott presents the work alongside an ensemble of musicians and puppeteers, creating a hybrid experience that moves between concert and theatre.
Glass said, “I am pleased that Tao of Glass will receive its London premiere this summer. It’s always a pleasure to work with Phelim. Tao of Glass is a true theater collaboration, the culmination of many years of deep admiration and respect for each other.”
McDermott added, “Bringing Tao of Glass to @sohoplace feels like completing a full circle. This show was devised through a deeply collaborative process — Philip and I playing together in downtown New York, riffing and discovering how music, story, and image could grow from the same source. To now share his specially composed music in such a beautiful space — designed for intimacy, sound, and connection — feels perfect. @sohoplace has that rare combination of openness and focus that invites the audience into the dream with us: a place where imagination, storytelling, and sound can truly resonate.”
Producer Nica Burns said, “An utterly original, fascinating piece of theatre with the most beautiful music, by world famous composer Philip Glass, performed by the exceptional Phelim McDermott accompanied by a talented ensemble of musicians and puppeteers. Perfect in the beautiful, intimate auditorium of @sohoplace. What an extraordinary and exciting collaboration by two internationally celebrated artists.”
Factory International’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive John McGrath said, “Tao of Glass was a massive hit when it premiered at Manchester International Festival in 2019, and we’re really proud to have produced it and taken it around the world with Improbable. We’ve always wanted the show to be seen in London, and we are thrilled that it will be opening in the West End @sohoplace. Philip and Phelim are artists we are so proud to work with, and this is one of their most extraordinary creations.”
The creative team includes co-director Kirsty Housley, designer Fly Davis, lighting designer Colin Grenfell, sound designer Giles Thomas, musical director Chris Vatalaro and puppet designer and maker Lyndie Wright.
Commissioned by Factory International, Improbable, Perth Festival, Ruhrfestspiele Recklinghausen, Hong Kong New Vision Arts Festival and Carolina Performing Arts, Tao of Glass originally premiered at Manchester International Festival in 2019.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
