Full cast confirmed for world premiere of The Pianist musical

The full company has been announced for the world premiere of The Pianist.

Written and directed by Thom Southerland, the stage adaptation is based on the memoir by Władysław Szpilman, which inspired Roman Polanski’s Academy Award-winning film.

The show will first be seen at Mayflower Studios, Southampton, from 9 to 12 September, ahead of a run at Park Theatre in London from 15 October to 28 November.

As already revealed, Daniel Krikler will lead the production as Szpilman, who was not only a Holocaust survivor but one of Poland’s most celebrated composers and pianists. 

Original compositions will be performed by a cast of actor-musicians, depicting the cultural life of pre-war Warsaw and its destruction during the Second World War, alongside new arrangements by Simon Lee.

The cast includes 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, and Max Roll as Gimpel/Majorek. The ensemble features Oliver Magor and Erin Rowlatt.

Southerland spoke about the casting process saying: “We have been searching for exceptional performers who are not only outstanding actors, but accomplished musicians and truly versatile storytellers, capable of meeting the unique demands of this production. The calibre of talent joining us is exceptional, and I cannot wait to begin rehearsals.”

He concluded: “Together, this company will honour the humanity, resilience and hope at the heart of Szpilman’s story in what I hope will be a powerful and deeply moving theatrical experience for audiences.”

New lyrics come from an international group of writers and musicians, including two-time Grammy nominee Carol Connors, acclaimed songwriter David Batteau, jazz singer Wendy Lands and collaborator Jim Gillard, Grammy-nominated Michael Ruff, Szpilman’s son Andreas Szpilman, and award-winning lyricist Marcy Heisler.

The creative team also includes choreography and movement direction by Karen Bruce, set and video design by Andrzej Goulding, costume design by Jonathan Lipman, lighting design by Robbie Butler, sound design by Gareth Tucker for Autograph Sound, musical direction by Malcolm Forbes-Peckham, assistant direction by Josh Whatsize, casting by Ginny Schiller and casting assistance by Ben Armstrong, and executive producing and general management by DEM Productions.