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Take a behind-the-scenes look at the world premiere of The Pianist, a new musical stage adaptation of Wladyslaw Szpilman’s memoir, ahead of its run at London’s Park Theatre. The production bringing his own compositions to the stage for the first time alongside his story as not only a Holocaust survivor but one of Poland’s most celebrated composers and pianists.

Rehearsal images have been released for the world premiere of The Pianist, a new musical stage adaptation of Wladyslaw Szpilman’s internationally acclaimed memoir. Published in 1946, the story served as the inspiration behind Roman Polanski’s Academy Award-winning film.

Szpilman was not only a Holocaust survivor but one of Poland’s most celebrated composers and pianists, and this new musical brings his story and his music together for the very first time.

Described as a love letter to culture and to the artists who carried it, the production draws on original compositions from the so-called “Polish Gershwin,” using Szpilman’s music not merely as accompaniment but as another voice in telling his story.

Written and directed by Thom Southerland (Titanic the Musical), the production will run at Park Theatre from 15 October until 28 November 2026.

See live availability for The Pianist here

Photos: The cast of The Pianst in rehearsals

The cast and creative team behind The Pianist

The newly released images offer a first look inside rehearsals with the company, which includes:

  • Daniel Krikler as Wladyslaw Szpilman
  • Rosalind Ford as Mother
  • Oliver Grant as Hosenfeld
  • TJ Holmes as Father
  • Mischa Jardine as Janina
  • Elżbieta Kalicka as Regina
  • Nitai Levi as Henryk
  • Melania Maggiore as Halina
  • Max Roll as Gimpel/Majorek

The ensemble also includes Oliver Magor and Erin Rowlatt.

The musical features new musical arrangements by Simon Lee, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s long-time Musical Director, as well as new lyrics from an international group of writers and musicians, including two-time Grammy nominee Carol Connors, songwriter David Batteau, jazz singer Wendy Lands and collaborator Jim Gillard, Grammy-nominated Michael Ruff, and Szpilman’s own son, Andreas Szpilman.

Alongside writer-director Thom Southerland and musical supervisor Simon Lee, the creative team includes choreographer Karen Bruce, set and video designer Andrzej Goulding, costume designer Jonathan Lipman, lighting designer Robbie Butler and sound designer Gareth Tucker for Autograph Sound, with musical direction by Malcolm Forbes-Peckham.

Plan your visit to The Pianist

  • Theatre: Park Theatre
  • Booking dates: 15 October until 28 November 2026
  • Performance schedule: Monday to Saturday evenings; Thursday and Saturday matinees
  • Age range: 11+

The Pianist

Park Theatre, London

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The Pianist
Main photo: The cast of The Pianist in rehearsal. Photo by Rich Southgate

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