The Yard Theatre and English Touring Theatre, in association with Theatr Clwyd, have announced a new production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s celebrated musical Company, directed by The Yard’s Founder and Artistic Director Jay Miller.
The production marks the first musical ever staged by The Yard and will run at the theatre’s new Hackney Wick venue from 27 May to 10 July 2027, with a press night on 8 June.
Following its London run, Company will transfer to Theatr Clwyd from 9 to 18 September 2027 before embarking on a national tour, with further details to be announced.
The Tony Award-nominated comedy musical follows Bobby on their 35th birthday as friends around them settle into marriage, family life and divorce, while Bobby struggles to decide what they want from their own future.
Jay Miller said: “Company is one of the best pieces of theatre ever written. Everyone goes through that stretch in their life where everyone around you seems to know something you don’t, or be someone you aren’t. Bobby’s still in it. I can’t wait to get started.”
The Yard Theatre’s Executive Director Ashleigh Wheeler added: “We’ve been wanting to do a musical for ages but to make it happen we needed the support, input and verve of incredible partners. We’re so happy to be making this work for audiences in London and around the country with ETT and Theatr Clwyd. As Sondheim put it, ‘three is company, safe and cheery.’”
Richard Twyman, Artistic Director & Joint CEO of English Touring Theatre, and Sophie Scull, Executive Producer & Joint CEO of English Touring Theatre, said: “Jay is a visionary director whose work over recent years has been consistently bold, surprising, and theatrically adventurous. Bringing that sensibility to Sondheim’s Company, a musical loved by so many, is hugely exciting. We’re delighted to be making it with him and the team at The Yard and look forward to sharing it with audiences in London and across the UK.”
The Yard has also announced casting for There’s Something About Adam Black, a debut play by Troy Hunter, directed by Tatenda Shamiso.
Olisa Odele, known for Big Boys and It’s a Sin, will play Adam alongside Jordan Kouamé as Daniel.
The play follows Adam, a young gay Black man navigating love, relationships and the weight of his past, after an unexpected encounter changes the course of his life.
Writer Troy Hunter said: “There’s Something About Adam Black is a story about a young gay black man navigating love for the first time in a world full of distractions. Adam’s been in my head for years; and when I began writing I realised I had never seen a character like him on stage – Adam is the character I wanted to see growing up. He’s a complex guy who tells you what he’s thinking, and doesn’t care how it lands. He’s the funny best friend whose life you wish you had. Olisa and Jordan have been so curious and bold with the text, and with Tatenda directing, I can’t wait for audiences to meet Adam and Daniel.”
Tatenda Shamiso said: “I cannot wait to bring Troy’s work to life with a cast that perfectly matches the play’s vibrancy, hilarity, seduction, nuance and tenderness the way this company does. There isn’t a better pair of artists to introduce audiences to this new story at the new Yard Theatre, and I’m so thrilled to present this piece within the Yard’s reopening season!”
Olisa Odele added: “At audition stage, I usually try not to over invest in a job that isn’t mine yet, so I tried to skim read Troy’s play just to get the gist. Instead, I ended up on my feet for an hour and a half giving a full performance in my best friend’s living room. This is a special play with a wonderful team who get it. I am so excited to step into his shoes at The Yard, and I look forward to all of the incarnations of Adam that will follow in years to come. The play is that good.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
