On a cold September morning in 1844, a young man from Bavaria stands on a New York dockside dreaming of a new life in the new world. He is joined by his two brothers, and an American epic begins. 163 years later, the firm they establish – Lehman Brothers – spectacularly collapses into bankruptcy, triggering the largest financial crisis in history.
The Lehman Trilogy is back and John Heffernan, Aaron Krohn and Howard W. Overshown will reprise their roles in London following a critically acclaimed run in San Francisco, playing the Lehman brothers, their sons and grandsons. Cat Beveridge and Anyssa Neumann will reprise their respective performances as principal pianist and alternate pianist.
Written by Stefano Massini, adapted by Ben Power and directed by multi-award-winning director, Sam Mendes with set design by Es Devlin, it has already won numerous awards and been deemed a masterpiece.
Sam Mendes said:
“I heard about Stefano Massini’s The Lehman Trilogy in 2015 . A year later, together with Ben Power and Es Devlin, a company of twelve actors at the National Theatre Studio read aloud a literal translation of what was in fact an epic poem. After a year of shaping it into a form we felt might chime for English speaking audiences who had lived through the aftermath of the 2008 financial meltdown, it had morphed into a three-hander which premiered at the National Theatre in 2018. Now, seven years later, the production has been enjoyed on three continents, and on Broadway and is returning to the West End for the third time. This feels like a tribute to everyone who believed in it and collaborated in its making.”
Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre, said:
“The Lehman Trilogy is storytelling at its best. Its success lies in its simplicity – three actors, one pianist and one set combining to tell an epic family drama in the most intimate way. This extraordinary production has now been seen by over half a million people worldwide and it continues to resonate with audiences whether that be in London, New York, Sydney or San Francisco. We are delighted to be bringing it back to the West End after its previous sold-out runs.”
Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PW from 24 September 2024 – 5 January 2025. Admission: From £20.
Booking: lwtheatres.co.uk / call 020 3925 2998
