Stephen Sondheim’s HERE WE ARE at the National Theatre

After receiving its world premiere in New York in 2023, Here We Are, the final musical by the legendary Stephen Sondheim with a book by Tony Award-nominee David Ives will have its UK premiere in a new production at the National Theatre from 23 April – 28 June 2025.

The National Theatre today announces further casting for their forthcoming UK premiere of Here We Are, the final musical by the legendary Stephen Sondheim with a book by Tony Award-nominee David Ives (All in the Timing/Venus in Fur). After receiving its world premiere and a sold-out run in New York in 2023, this unmissable musical comedy will receive a new production in the Lyttelton theatre. Inspired by two of Luis Buñuel’s iconic films, Here We Are is directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello (WICKED /Assassins).

Who’s in the cast?

The National Theatre today releases first look images of Here We Are, the final musical by the legendary Stephen Sondheim. Inspired by two of Luis Buñuel’s iconic films, Here We Are has a book by Tony Award-nominee David Ives (All in the Timing/Venus in Fur) and directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello (WICKED /Assassins). The UK premiere of Here We Are runs in the National Theatre’s Lyttelton theatre until 28 June 2025.

Full cast includes Edward Baker-Duly (Enselmble + Understudy Leo Brink + Man), Tracie Bennett (Woman), Alastair Brookshaw (Ensemble + Understudy Bishop + Paul Zimmer), Jack Butterworth (A Visitor + Ensemble + Understudy Soldier), Chumisa Dornford-May (Fritz), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Paul Zimmer), Richard Fleeshman (Soldier), Harry Hadden-Paton (Bishop), Cameron Johnson (Colonel), Rory Kinnear (Leo Brink), Jane Krakowski (Marianne Brink), Molly Lynch (Ensemble + Understudy Marianne Brink + Fritz), Amira Matthews (Ensemble + Understudy Claudia Bursik-Zimmer + Woman), Denis O’Hare (Man), Martha Plimpton (Claudia Bursik-Zimmer), Steven Serlin (Ensemble + Understudy Raffael Santello Di Santicci + Colonel + A Visitor) and Paulo Szot (Raffael Santello Di Santicci).

Creative team

Here We Are has a book by David Ives, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Director Joe Mantello is joined by set and costume designer David Zinn, choreographer Sam Pinkleton, orchestrations Jonathan Tunick, additional arrangements Alexander Gemignani, conductor Nigel Lilley, lighting designer Natasha Katz, sound designer Tom Gibbons, wigs, hair and make-up designers Robert Pickens and Katie Gell , casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG, dialect coach Caitlin Stegemoller, associate director Lily Dyble, associate set designer Tim McMath, associate costume designer Rachael Ryan, associate choreographer Billy Bustamante, associate conductor Cat Beveridge, associate lighting designer Craig Stelzenmuller and associate sound designer James Melling.

What’s the show about?

It’s a perfect day for brunch.

Leo and Marianne Brink have found the ideal spot to take their friends. With great reviews, impeccable service and an extensive menu it seems like nothing could go wrong. But after a series of strange events interrupt their meal, they soon realise they’ve bitten off more than they can chew.

Assisted performances

Captioned
Saturday 24 May – 2.15pm
Friday 20 June – 7.30pm

BSL Interpreted
Tuesday 17 June – 7.30pm
Friday 27 June – 7.30pm

Audio described
Saturday 31 May – 2.15pm
Thursday 26 June – 7.30pm

Relaxed performance
Tuesday 10 June – 7.30pm

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