A Strange Loop to have UK premiere this summer

A Strange Loop will open in London this summer, it has been confirmed. 

The musical is written by Michael R Jackson and explores themes of identity, self-worth, and the creative process.

It follows the character Usher, a Black queer writer who is struggling to break into the industry and to find validation in his work.The musical features an experimental structure that involves Usher repeatedly revisiting and reimagining his own life story, exploring different versions of himself and the characters in his musical. Numbers blend genres such as gospel, R&B and traditional musical theatre. 

The musical won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2020, as well as numerous other awards and nominations. It recently completed a run on Broadway, where it picked up some glowing reviews. 

The show will play at the Barbican Theatre from 17 June to 9 September 2023. 

It is produced by Howard Panter for Trafalgar Theatre Productions, the National Theatre, Barbara Whitman and Wessex Grove. 

Stephen Brackett directs, while the show has choreography by Raja Feather Kelly, music supervision by Rona Siddiqui, orchestrations by Charlie Rosen, scenic design by Arnulfo Maldonado, costume design by Montana Levi Blanco, lighting by Jen Schriever and sound by Drew Levy. 

Jackson said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing A Strange Loop to London. This show has been a true labor of love since my early twenties, and to have it continue its extraordinary journey from Musical Theatre Factory, to Off-Broadway, to Woolly Mammoth, to Broadway and now to London is a dream I never knew I had come true. I can’t wait to share the story of Usher and his thoughts with new audiences.” 

Kate Varah, executive director for the National Theatre, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the transfer of this Pulitzer Prize & Tony Award-winning new musical into London this summer. A Strange Loop is a vital piece of new work by American playwright, Michael R. Jackson and we are so excited to be working with our producing partners to share this special story with UK audiences.” 

Panter said: “A Strange Loop is nothing short of a spellbinding masterpiece. When I saw it on Broadway I was transfixed and knew immediately that London audiences, like New York, would love this unique, moving and funny musical. Michael R. Jackson is a complete genius and we look forward to welcoming him to these shores for a very successful season at the Barbican this summer.”

Whitman, originating producer of the Broadway production, said “I’m overjoyed to be bringing A Strange Loop to the Barbican, and I can’t wait to introduce London to the work of the singularly brilliant Michael R. Jackson. It feels so right to have this be the next step for this uniquely original musical.

Tickets go on sale on 20 March.