I’m Sorry, Prime Minister to transfer to the West End with Griff Rhys Jones

I’m Sorry, Prime Minister will play in London next year.

The transfer follows runs at the Barn Theatre, Theatre Royal Bath, and Cambridge Arts Theatre. It is the first production from Barn Theatre to make the jump to the West End.

Griff Rhys Jones will play ex-Prime Minister Jim Hacker alongside Clive Francis, who will reprise his role of Sir Humphrey Appleby.

This is the final chapter of Yes, Minister, written and directed by Jonathan Lynn, and sees the pair in their old age facing up to life in their retirement. The production is co-directed by Michael Gyngell.

Of his casting, Jones said: “I am delighted and honoured to be stepping into the shoes of Jim Hacker in this, the final, funny and poignant episode of his long career.”

He commented that the TV series and later plays “are part of my architecture of British comedy,” adding that “they have always been the first and last word on the shenanigans that we call politics. (What Americans have taken to calling the swamp.)”

He called the piece “as acute and apposite as ever,” concluding: “It will be a hoot. What can the great comedy sparring partners make of what the modern world throws at them? I urge everybody – old fans, young fans and yet-to-be fans to come and join us at the Apollo to find out.”

Lynn commented: “I wanted to write the final chapter about Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey Appleby, now in their 80s, discarded, ignored, watching today’s world with utter bewilderment. An elegiac play about old age and loss – loss of power, loss of influence, loss of friends, loss of family. The only play I’ve ever seen on this theme is King Lear. This will be funnier.”

I’m Sorry, Prime Minister will play at the Apollo Theatre from 30 January to 25 April 2026. A press night is set for 12 February 2026.

Further casting and creatives to be announced.