Griff Rhys Jones to star in James Graham’s Albert’s Boy revival

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds has announced that Griff Rhys Jones will play Albert Einstein in a new production of Albert’s Boy, written by James Graham and directed by Terry Johnson.

The co-production between Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Daniel Schumann and Lee Dean will run at the Suffolk venue from 26 February to 20 March 2027 before embarking on a UK tour.

The play explores the ethical questions surrounding the atomic bomb and its deployment. It follows one Albert Einstein as he struggles with feelings of guilt, while family friend Peter Bucky returns from a prisoner of war camp having witnessed the realities of conflict firsthand.

Rhys-Jones said: “I am delighted to be working with Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds on Albert’s Boy. As someone who lives in East Anglia I consider it to be one of my local theatres and so I am looking forward to working with them to stage this fantastic play by James Graham. As a history enthusiast it will be a pleasure to delve into Einstein’s world, and as a man who was known for his sense of humour, I hope I can do the role justice!”

Artistic director Owen Calvert-Lyons said: “We’re delighted to have Griff Rhys-Jones take on the role of Albert Einstein. Having seen first-hand the energy and depth he brings to the character, I can’t wait to share this standout production with audiences. Griff is going to be working with a stellar team in James Graham and Terry Johnson, so audiences are in for a treat.”

Graham, whose writing credits include the award-winning Punch, Dear England and Labour of Love, first penned Albert’s Boy over 20 years ago – it became his first London production in September 2005.

Tour dates will be revealed in due course, with tickets on sale now via the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds website.