Acclaimed theatre company Troupe is set to bring Patrick Hamilton’s novel Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky to the stage.
Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky will premiere at Southwark Playhouse Borough this autumn, playing from 16 September until 17 October 2026.
The world premiere of Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky has been adapted by Simon Reade (Private Peaceful), based on Patrick Hamilton’s classic novel following the lives of three lonely Londoners.
The play is set in late 1920s London, and will be directed by Matthew Iliffe (Bacon).
Casting is to be announced.
Troupe’s Ashley Cook said in a statement that, “working with Simon Reade for our 2022 production of A Single Man was an utter joy; I’m delighted to be renewing our collaboration to bring his visceral and deeply moving adaptation of Patrick Hamilton’s raw, evocative novel to the audiences at Southwark Playhouse Borough this autumn.”
More about the show
- Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky is adapted from the novel by Patrick Hamilton (Gaslight, Rope, Hangover Square)
- The story is an epic tale of three lonely Londoners looking for connection in the sprawling streets of the metropolis.
- The play is set in London in 1929. In the seedy Midnight Bell pub, barman Bob dreams of becoming a writer, while barmaid Ella dreams of being with Bob. When Bob becomes obsessed with alluring prostitute Jenny Maple, he fritters his life’s savings on trying to rescue her. But there is more to the intriguing Jenny than meets the eye…
- An acclaimed television adaptation was broadcast on BBC Four in 2005, starring Sally Hawkins.
- Matthew Bourne also created dance show The Midnight Bell based on Patrick Hamilton’s Twenty Thousand Streets Under The Sky and other novels.
More about Troupe
Troupe recently scored a huge success with their production of The Forsyte Saga Parts 1 and 2, which ran at the Park Theatre in London and at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Their current revival of Noel Coward’s The Rat Trap is now playing at the Park Theatre until 8 March 2026.
Looking for more productions? Explore the full list of West End shows in London.
Performance Information
- Venue: Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BD
- Dates: 16 September to 17 October 2026
- Age recommendation: 12+
- Tickets: Tickets on sale soon from our Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky show hub
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