Slavic theatre company WITHINTHEATRE brings a bold new musical to London stages this autumn with Boogie on the Bones, a powerful exploration of youth rebellion, jazz, and freedom in 1950s Russia.
Written by Daria Besedina and directed by Sofia Barysevich, Boogie on the Bones opens at Omnibus Theatre from 14–25 October, before transferring to The Cockpit from 1–7 December.
Set in post-Stalinist Moscow, the musical follows the underground movement of the Stilyagi—young rebels who defy conformity by embracing Western fashion and jazz music. Among them is Bob, a medical student who smuggles music by etching grooves into discarded X-ray films.
Joining Bob are Fred, a charismatic figure hiding a painful secret, and Polly, a mysterious rebel who captures the heart of Mel, a loyal officer of the Komsomol. As Mel is drawn into their world, he transforms from party loyalist to passionate jazz musician.
But as the regime tightens its grip, the group faces increasing danger. Boogie on the Bones reveals how, in the face of oppression, art becomes an act of resistance.
Director Sofia Barysevich said: “There are disturbing echoes between what’s happening today and the Soviet Union in 1956. Back home, subcultures are being dismantled, artists are censored, and people are fleeing not for opportunity—but for survival. Boogie on the Bones asks a question that feels more urgent than ever: what does it really cost to be free? And is it worth it? That’s the journey we’re inviting audiences to take—with us, with our actors, and with every beat of forbidden jazz.”
WITHINTHEATRE is known for politically urgent work that draws on lived experience of authoritarian regimes. Their recent productions include 1984 and Julia.1984, which premiered at Summerhall during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The cast includes Anastasia Aush as Polly, Daniel Rybtsov as Bob, Vera Raskina as Betsy, Max Taptygin as Fred, Olga Pipchanka as Katya, and Andrii Zamiatin as Mels.
Boogie on the Bones runs for 75 minutes with no interval and is suitable for ages 12+. It contains flashing lights, mild staged violence, and scenes depicting arrest and detention.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
