Meera Syal to star in revival of Lucy Kirkwood’s The Children

A new production of The Children by Lucy Kirkwood will be directed by Rachel O’Riordan, artistic director of Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.

Marking the play’s tenth anniversary, the production runs at the venue from Wednesday 2 September to Saturday 3 October 2026, with tickets now on sale.

Meera Syal stars as Hazel in the show, which is set on the edge of a radiation exclusion zone, and follows a pair of friends as they attempt to maintain a sense of normality after a catastrophe.

Rachel O’Riordan said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be bringing Lucy Kirkwood’s thrilling play to the Lyric this September in its 10th anniversary production. Since its debut in 2016, it has become a modern classic and the themes of inter-generational accountability and environmental crisis have only become more relevant. It’s funny, moving and asks big questions around personal morality – what would any of us do if we were asked to do something so terrifying?

It’s also a joy to welcome Meera Syal back to the Lyric stage for the first time since 2019’s smash-hit Noises Off. I cannot wait for audiences to experience this bold, thrilling story anew in 2026.”

Syal added: “I’m thrilled to be back at the Lyric Hammersmith and working with Rachel O’Riordan on Lucy Kirkwood’s brilliant, timely play.”

The creative team includes Gary McCann (set and costume design), Anna Watson (lighting design) and Holly Khan (sound design), with further casting to be announced.