Josephine Tey’s The Daughter of Time to play Charing Cross Theatre in London

A new stage adaptation of Josephine Tey‘s classic detective novel The Daughter of Time is coming to London’s Charing Cross Theatre this summer.

The Daughter of Time will run for a limited season at Charing Cross Theatre from 18 July to 13 September 2025.

The thriller mixes history, myth, and romance, and is adapted from Tey’s novel by M. Kilburg Reedy and directed by Jenny Eastop.

Set in London in 1950, Inspector Alan Grant is laid up in hospital, and decides to investigate the alleged crimes of Richard III and the murder of the Princes in the Tower as a “cold case file.”

What begins as a distraction becomes an urgent mission, as Grant tangles with two scheming Shakespearean actors, a couple of opinionated nurses, his own sceptical deputy, and a lovesick young American historical researcher to solve his case. And along the way, he might just solve the mystery of his own heart.

The wider creative team for The Daughter of Time includes set and costume design by Bob Sterrett, lighting design by Oliver McNally, composition by Haddon Kime, sound design by Andrew Johnson, and hair, wigs, and makeup by Diana Estrada Hudson, casting by Neil Rutherford, production management by James Anderton, and the show is produced by Excelsior Entertainment, Mercurius Theatre, and Steven M. Levy for Charing Cross Theatre Productions.

The Daughter of Time is playing at Charing Cross Theatre in London from 18 July to 13 September 2025.

Book The Daughter of Time tickets at Charing Cross Theatre London

What They Said

Writer M. Kilburg Reedy said in a statement: “Like so many other readers, I was fascinated by Josephine Tey’s brilliant novel when I first came across it and felt inspired to dig deeper into Richard III’s story. What drew me in was a sense of injustice done to Richard and the question of how a historical record can be distorted for political purposes – including even recent events within everyone’s living memory. As a playwright, it was a challenge to make Inspector Grant’s famous inquiry dynamic and theatrical, so I introduced some other elements and even a new character to the story, while remaining true enough to the novel’s DNA that I hope to satisfy Tey’s most ardent fans. I also hope I’ve made an argument that prods even the Richard antagonists to look at the evidence, and lack of evidence, with fresh eyes.”

Director Jenny Eastop said: “I read The Daughter of Time years ago and remember how astonishingly eye-opening it is, not only the truth about Richard III of course but also the ability of those in power to re-write history to create an alternate “truth”. Kilburg Reedy’s play brings the characters brilliantly springing off the page with dramatic life but is also a trumpet call from history to make us question who is in control of writing ‘truth’.”

Steven Levy, Director of Charing Cross Theatre, said: “Our theatre is perhaps best known for its musical productions, but we make a concerted effort to present at least one dramatic production each year that really stands out to us. We are proud to be presenting The Daughter of Time, a play which we believe is a uniquely entertaining and challenging work that our audiences will derive immense pleasure from.”

Producer Greg Frankenfield of Excelsior Entertainment, said: “This is a play for our times – exploring misinformation, public perception, and the fight for truth. It couldn’t be more relevant.”

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Main photo: The Daughter of Time - Coming to London's Charing Cross Theatre