Lyric Hammersmith 2027 Season: The Book Thief Musical Premieres
Hammersmith’s Lyric Unveils a Big Year Ahead
If you live in west London, you already know the Lyric is more than a theatre. Tucked onto King Street in Hammersmith, a short walk from the Broadway and the tube, it has long been one of the area’s cultural anchors, a place where neighbours bump into each other in the foyer before curtain up and students queue for affordable seats. So when Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan announces a new season, it’s worth paying attention.
The 2027 programme runs from late January to early November and includes three world premieres, three London premieres and the return of a recent hit. It opens with Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, a warm and funny play set in a busy Harlem salon, which returns from 28 January to 27 February. Spring brings Inua Ellams’ Once Upon a Time in Sokoto, and the summer features Brock’s Mill, a stop-motion inspired family drama directed by former National Theatre boss Rufus Norris, his first return to London directing since leaving that post.
For visitors planning a wider day out, the combination is hard to beat. Catch a matinee, then linger over dinner nearby. Those coming in from further afield can make an evening of it by heading into town afterwards to wander past Big Ben and Whitehall London, a memorable way to round off a night at the theatre.
Who Is Behind the Season and Why It Matters Locally
O’Riordan described the season as a statement of intent, a big and bold celebration of the audiences and artists who make the Lyric what it is. That framing matters for the people who work in and around the building every day, from freelance actors and designers to front-of-house staff, technicians and box office teams. A full programme means steadier work across the year, not just a busy few weeks.
The line-up brings together a broad mix of writers and directors. Jocelyn Bioh and Monique Touko’s Jaja’s has already proved popular with audiences, while Conor McPherson, the playwright behind The Weir, adapts the bestselling novel Before the Coffee Gets Cold for the stage. Jodi Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald have written the book for the London premiere of The Book Thief musical, with Tom Jackson Greaves directing, and Kieran Hurley adapts Graeme Armstrong’s debut novel The Young Team for a world premiere. Alistair McDowall’s adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle, directed by Sarah Frankcom, closes the year.
For local businesses, this kind of programme is a quiet boost. Pubs, cafes and restaurants along King Street and around Hammersmith Broadway see extra trade on performance nights, and many rely on theatregoers to fill tables before and after the show. For schools and community groups, a season with this range of stories offers plenty to discuss in the classroom and beyond.
What Residents Should Know and What to Watch Next
If you want to see something from this season, the practical advice is simple: book early. Premieres and high-profile titles tend to sell fastest, and The Book Thief, running from 24 July to 28 August, is likely to be one of the most sought-after tickets. The stage adaptation follows twelve-year-old Liesel Meminger, who steals books in Nazi Germany, with Death as narrator, so it may suit older children and adults best. Check the age guidance on the Lyric’s website before booking for younger family members.
Keep an eye on the Lyric’s website and newsletter for concession schemes, young-people offers and any ticket release dates for the later shows. Signing up for updates is the easiest way to hear about casting announcements and early previews. It’s also worth watching for the autumn run of We Have Always Lived in the Castle, which runs from 7 October to 6 November and is a world premiere, so reviews and word of mouth will shape its audience.
Finally, think about how you might get involved beyond the seats. Local theatre thrives when residents come back again and again, bring friends who have never visited, and talk about what they’ve seen. If you’re new to the area, this season is a good excuse to explore a venue that has been part of Hammersmith for generations. Start with the opening show in January, and you’ll have plenty to look forward to through the rest of the year.
Source: Lyric Hammersmith announces 2027 season, including London premiere of THE BOOK THIEF
Theatregoers planning a trip can combine the show with a stay in the capital, so anyone wanting to visit London Book Thief fans’ favorite stage adaptation should book tickets early.
