The Pianist of Willesden Lane is back
19 September 2016, 14:56 | Updated: 15 December 2016, 11:50
Returning to the London stage for a mesmerising encore, this incredible true story features the music of Beethoven, Debussy, Bach, Chopin and more – all performed live during the play.
Set in Vienna in 1938 and in London during the Blitz, The Pianist of Willesden Lane tells the true story of Lisa Jura, a young Jewish pianist who is dreaming about her concert debut at Vienna’s storied Musikverein concert hall.
But with the issuing of new ordinances under the Nazi regime, everything for Lisa changes - except for her love of music and the pursuit of her dream – as she is torn from her family and sent onto the Kindertransport to London.
Featuring some of the world’s most beloved piano music played live, The Pianist of Willesden Lane is performer Mona Golabek’s true family story. The production makes its UK premiere at the St. James Theatre after critically acclaimed, sold-out runs in New York, Chicago, Boston, Berkeley, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
Based on the book The Children of Willesden Lane: Beyond the Kindertransport: A Memoir of Music, Love, and Survival by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen.
St James Theatre, 22 October 2016, St James Theatre, London.
