Emmy and Tony Award-winner Sean Hayes (Will & Grace) will reprise his much-lauded Tony Award-winning performance in Good Night, Oscar at the Barbican Theatre this summer 31 July – 21 September 2025.
What is Good Night, Oscar about?
It’s 1958, and Jack Paar hosts the hottest late-night talk-show on television. His favourite guest? Wild card Oscar Levant. Famous for his witty one-liners, Oscar has a favourite: “There’s a fine line between genius and insanity; I have erased this line.” Tonight, Oscar will prove just that, when he appears live on national TV in an episode that Paar’s audience – and the rest of America – won’t soon forget.
Sean Hayes said: “It’s thrilling to be making my West End debut at the Barbican this summer with Good Night, Oscar. I’m eager to introduce one of the all-time greats, Oscar Levant, to the UK. The response we received on Broadway was incredible and I’m hoping British audiences will appreciate the history of this fascinating man – a multi-faceted pioneer, from concert pianist to infamous raconteur. It’s an honour to bring this production to London.”
Full of humour, with an unmissable, virtuosic performance from Sean Hayes, Good Night, Oscar is directed by Lisa Peterson and masterfully explores fame, artistry, and the fragility of genius.
Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes (no interval)
Age guidance: 12+
Who is in the cast of Good Night, Oscar?
Sean Hayes will make his West End debut in this new play by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright, playing Oscar Levant: Hollywood actor, concert pianist, and the most subversive wit ever to appear on television during its Golden Age.
Further casting will be announced soon.
Who is in the creative team?
Doug Wright Writer
Lisa Peterson Director
Are there any accessible performances scheduled?
BSL Interpreted: Saturday 23 August, 2.30pm
Audio Described: Friday 5 September, 7pm
Captioned: Wednesday 27 August, 7pm
