The Book Thief musical will have its London premiere at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre from July 24 to August 28, 2027. Tom Jackson Greaves directs the adaptation of Markus Zusak’s novel, with new songs joining the evolving score. Set in wartime Germany, the story follows a girl who steals books, with Death narrating her experiences. The production builds on its original Bolton staging; press night is July 30.
The Book Thief musical is scheduled for its London premiere at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, a London theatre, from July 24 to August 28, 2027.[1], [2]
Press night is set for July 30. Director Tom Jackson Greaves leads the production, which builds on the original staging at Bolton Octagon, a theatre in Bolton. The musical is adapted from Markus Zusak’s novel, first published in 2005.[1]
Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson wrote the music and lyrics, while novelist Jodi Picoult and playwright Timothy Allen McDonald wrote the dramatic text. Samsel and Anderson say the score will include new songs developed as the show has evolved. Picoult and McDonald linked the London staging to their concern about how quickly fascism can take hold in a country, describing the work’s contemporary relevance from their perspective as Americans.[1]
Set in Germany in 1940, the story centres on Liesel Meminger, a 12-year-old girl who steals books during the war. Death narrates, worn down by carrying away countless souls and searching for a story to renew faith in humanity. Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, DEM Productions and Writers’ Cage are co-producing the musical with Andrew Paradis, in association with Bethany Cooper Productions.[1]
