Jesse Tyler Ferguson to star in London premiere of Tru

The Menier Chocolate Factory has revealed that Jesse Tyler Ferguson will lead Jay Presson Allen’s Tru.

Rob Ashford directs Ferguson as he reprises his role in the solo piece after playing it to critical acclaim in New York earlier this year.

The piece is drawn entirely from Truman Capote’s own words and sees the writer reeling from the publication of an unfinished memoir that alienated him from his society friends, as he reflects on his life and work.

It was first staged in 1989, when the role was originated on stage by Robert Morse, who won a Tony for his performance, and an Emmy for a television adaptation. The show has design by Paul Farnsworth.

Across the Atlantic, it played at the equally intimate House of the Redeemer, where Zachary Stewart, chief critic of our sister site TheaterMania said: “Director Rob Ashford stages Tru so that everyone gets an up-close-and-personal moment with our gracious host as he moves through the library, gesturing toward mementos and spinning tales.”

Ferguson, who is currently playing Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, said: “I’m thrilled to bring this intimate production of Tru to the Menier following its successful New York run. The audience response to this unique theatrical experience, and the chance to encounter Truman Capote up close, was incredibly rewarding. I’m delighted that Rob Ashford and I now have the opportunity to share what we’ve created with London audiences.”

The actor has had a newfound love affair with London theatre in the last year, having appeared in the National Theatre’s staging of Stephen Sondheim’s final musical Here We Are, and now a brief stint in the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice summer musical at The London Palladium.

Ashford added that he first directed the performer in a one-night-only charity benefit on the show in Morocco in 2024, saying: “He captured the truth of the man, his humour and heartbreak. I’m thrilled that we get the opportunity to further explore this great pairing of actor and character in London.”

Priority booking opens on Monday 13 July, with public booking opening on Monday 20 July.

The Menier’s Olivier Award nominated of The Producers continues to play in the West End as the theatre prepares to welcome Tony Award winner Ben Platt in the UK premiere of new musical Midnight at the Never Get later this month.

Tru is presented by the Menier Chocolate Factory, in association with Seaview, OHenry Productions, and Mickey Liddell and Pete Shilaimon.