Stephen Sondheim's Final Musical Premieres at National Theatre

The National Theatre has announced the UK premiere of Stephen Sondheim's final musical, Here We Are, which will be directed by Joe Mantello. This production follows its Off-Broadway debut in New York in October 2023. The musical, featuring a book by Tony Award nominee David Ives, revolves around a group of individuals trapped at a dinner party while new guests arrive but cannot eat. The narrative draws inspiration from Luis Buñuel's films, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie and The Exterminating Angel. The cast includes notable actors such as Tracie Bennett, Rory Kinnear, and Denis O'Hare. The show was initially workshopped in 2016, with plans for a production at The Public Theater that ultimately did not materialize. This premiere follows the successful staging of Sondheim's Follies at the National Theatre in 2017, showcasing the institution's commitment to presenting significant works. Rosamund Pike, known for her role in Gone Girl, will also make her National Theatre debut in a different production titled Inter Alia, where she portrays a High Court judge. Other actors making appearances include Adeel Akhtar and Arinzé Kene in their respective roles. This season marks the final one for Rufus Norris as director and co-chief executive of the National Theatre, who has expressed pride in the organization's achievements over the past decade. Norris highlighted the importance of the New Work Department and the global reach of the National Theatre, which now connects with an audience of 19 million worldwide. His departure will usher in new leadership under Indhu Rubasingham and Kate Varah, ensuring the theatre's continued growth and representation in the arts community.