The Book Thief musical to have London premiere at Lyric Hammersmith in summer 2027

The Book Thief is coming to London. The musical adaptation of Markus Zusak's bestselling 2005 novel will have its London premiere at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre next summer, running from 24 July to 28 August 2027, with a press night on 30 July.

The production is directed by Tom Jackson Greaves and is based on the original Bolton Octagon production. It sits at the heart of a packed 2027 season at the west London theatre, which also brings Rufus Norris back to a London stage, a world premiere from Conor McPherson and the return of a recent sell out hit.

When does the musical play in London?

The Book Thief runs at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre from 24 July to 28 August 2027, a strictly limited summer run of just over five weeks. Press night is Friday 30 July 2027.

The show is produced by the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, DEM Productions and Writers' Cage, with Andrew Paradis, in association with Bethany Cooper Productions.

Who has written the show?

The libretto is by bestselling novelist Jodi Picoult, author of My Sister's Keeper, and playwright Timothy Allen McDonald, who wrote the book for Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach. The music and lyrics are by Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson.

Picoult and McDonald said: "We couldn't be prouder to present this new, gorgeous incarnation of The Book Thief in London. As Americans, we are very much aware of how quickly fascism can take hold of a country," adding that "this show is the right story, at exactly the right time."

Samsel and Anderson said: "We are so excited to bring this score back to life on stage, with some new songs that have grown and changed with the show's evolution."

Jackson Greaves said: "I am thrilled to be leading this incredible musical into its next chapter, alongside our brilliant writers and creative team. It's a story that needs to be heard now more than ever and I cannot wait for a London audience to experience it."

What is the story about?

Set in Germany in 1940, the story follows Liesel Meminger, a girl of 12 who steals books during the Second World War. The tale is narrated by Death, who has grown weary after carrying away countless souls and is searching for a story that might renew their faith in humanity.

Zusak's novel has sold millions of copies around the world and has become a favourite in classrooms, which makes this summer run a natural choice for families with older children as well as fans of the book.

What else is in the theatre's 2027 season?

Artistic director Rachel O'Riordan has described the year as "a statement of intent: a big, bold celebration of our audience and the artists who make such incredible work here", with three world premieres, four London premieres and one returning favourite. Here is the full main stage programme in date order.

Jaja's African Hair Braiding, 28 January to 27 February 2027. Jocelyn Bioh's Tony Award winning comedy, set in a bustling Harlem braiding salon, returns after its sell out UK premiere at the Lyric in 2026. Monique Touko directs again, reuniting the team behind School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play.

Once Upon a Time in Sokoto, 13 April to 8 May 2027. Inua Ellams' play, winner of the 2024 Alfred Fagon Award, receives its London premiere, directed by Roy Alexander Weise and presented by Fuel. It tells the story of a friendship between an enslaved woman and her former master, set against the events leading to the creation of Nigeria.

Brock's Mill, 13 May to 5 June 2027. Rufus Norris, former artistic director and chief executive of the National Theatre, directs in London for the first time since leaving the organisation. Stewart Pringle's new play explores the world of stop motion filmmaking, with animation by Astrid Goldsmith. It is a Royal Shakespeare Company production, opening first in Stratford, presented in association with the Lyric.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold, 17 June to 17 July 2027. Conor McPherson adapts Toshikazu Kawaguchi's bestselling novel for its world premiere. The story centres on a café where customers can travel through time, subject to a series of rules, including returning to the present before their coffee gets cold.

The Book Thief, 24 July to 28 August 2027, as above.

The Young Team, 31 August to 25 September 2027. O'Riordan directs Kieran Hurley's adaptation of Graeme Armstrong's novel, produced with the National Theatre of Scotland after a run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The world premiere follows Azzy, a young man growing up in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, who is drawn into a local gang. After London it moves to the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow.

We Have Always Lived in the Castle, 7 October to 6 November 2027. Sarah Frankcom directs Alistair McDowall's adaptation of Shirley Jackson's novel, a world premiere about the Blackwood family, whose remaining members live in isolation after the deaths of most of their relatives.

What has the artistic director said?

"New plays are the lifeblood of theatre and this year we are proudly sharing six major new works…" said O'Riordan. "Adaptations of much loved novels, both contemporary and classic, are a vibrant part of our programme. These stories have moved, delighted and challenged readers on the page; now we look at them again…"

Of her own production, she added: "The novel is a cultural phenomenon, heartbreaking, vital and hilarious, and I cannot wait to bring this new version to audiences in Scotland and London in partnership with National Theatre of Scotland."

What is happening in the studio?

Alongside the main stage, the Lyric has begun a new partnership with Hackney Showroom, which takes up residency in the theatre's studio. It will include two world premieres, still to be announced, and Nice Pair, a festival of double acts running from 8 to 20 March 2027. Four pairs of artists will each create an original show with Hackney Showroom's artistic team and present it for a week, with the open call running from 27 October to 29 November 2026.

More from British Theatre

Look back at our story on Rachel O'Riordan's appointment as artistic director, or see how the Lyric's 2024 season shaped up. For everything currently on stage in Hammersmith, visit our Lyric Hammersmith Theatre guide.

Header image: official artwork.