Titled The Pianist, the show recounts Szpilman’s experiences, including his survival in the ruins of Warsaw during the final months of the war.
Szpilman’s memoir was adapted for the stage and directed by Thom Southerland. The production features Szpilman’s compositions, arranged by Simon Lee.
According to the Mayflower Studios website, the production "brings Szpilman’s extraordinary story vividly to life through music," transporting audiences "from the vibrant streets of prewar Warsaw to the harrowing trials of the war," and unfolding "a powerful theatrical journey of courage, family, survival and the enduring strength of music."
The Pianist was initially staged in April 2025 as a workshop production at Mayflower Studios.
A fully staged version, performed by an ensemble of 11 actor-musicians portraying more than 50 characters, is planned for September, ahead of a London run at a major off-West End venue in the winter of 2026/2027.
In 2023, a separate adaptation of Szpilman’s memoir was staged at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick in the US state of New Jersey.
Born in 1911, Szpilman was a renowned Polish pianist and composer of Jewish origin. He studied piano performance and composition in Warsaw and Berlin and, before the outbreak of World War II, worked at Polish Radio for four years.
He narrowly avoided capture by Nazi forces. In the final months of the war, he found shelter in the ruins of Warsaw and survived with the help of Polish friends and a German army officer.
Władysław Szpilman. Photo: PAP/Stanisław Dąbrowiecki
After the war, Szpilman served for 18 years as director of Polish Radio’s music department. He later founded the Warsaw Piano Quintet, which toured internationally for more than two decades.
His output includes around 500 songs, many of which became popular hits, as well as several symphonic works that remain in the concert repertoire.
Szpilman died in 2000 at the age of 88.
His wartime experiences were adapted by director Roman Polanski into the Oscar-winning film The Pianist.
(mk/gs)