Tao of Glass to run in the West End this summer

Tao of Glass will receive its West End premiere this summer.

Said to be inspired by a dream, the production brings together ten meditations on life, death and Taoist philosophy alongside ten newly composed pieces of music by famed composer Philip Glass. WhatsOnStage Award winner Phelim McDermott (My Neighbour Totoro) performs in the production alongside an ensemble of musicians and puppeteers.

It is presented by Factory International, Improbable and Nica Burns, and is composed by Glass with writing by McDermott. The work first premiered at Manchester International Festival in 2019 (where it received five stars from WhatsOnStage), and will now play at @sohoplace from 24 July to 12 September 2026, with a press night scheduled for 30 July at 7pm.

Glass and McDermott have previously collaborated on opera productions in London and New York. The latter explained today: “Bringing Tao of Glass to @sohoplace feels like completing a full circle. This show was devised through a deeply collaborative process — Philip and I playing together in downtown New York, riffing and discovering how music, story, and image could grow from the same source.

“To now share his specially composed music in such a beautiful space — designed for intimacy, sound, and connection — feels perfect. @sohoplace has that rare combination of openness and focus that invites the audience into the dream with us: a place where imagination, storytelling, and sound can truly resonate.”

The creative team includes composer Philip Glass, writer and co-director Phelim McDermott, co-director Kirsty Housley, designer Fly Davis, lighting designer Colin Grenfell, sound designer Giles Thomas, musical director Chris Vatalaro, and puppet designer and puppet maker Lyndie Wright.

Tickets go on sale today.