Creative team announced for Barn Theatre, Reading Rep & Theatre Royal Bath’s THE LAST FIVE YEARS

The Barn Theatre, Reading Rep and Theatre Royal Bath have announced the creative team for the Built by Barn musical of The Last Five Years, written by Jason Robert Brown, which opens in Reading on 19 September.

After its run at Reading Rep, the production will move to the Barn Theatre, Cirencester from 17 October - 15 November before heading to Theatre Royal Bath from 25 November 2025 – Saturday 3 January 2026.

The Last Five Years will be directed by Hal Chambers, with set and costume design by Ethan Cheek, lighting by Jonathan Chan, choreography and movement direction by Georgina Lamb, music direction by Ellie Verkeck, and casting by Harry Blumenau.

The Last Five Years explores the rollercoaster journey of two New Yorkers as they navigate their five-year marriage asking the question, “Can this couple that were once bonded by a shared love of creativity remain united as their lives move in different directions?”

Jamie’s side of the story starts at the beginning, filled with the fizz of new romance and continues chronologically, while Cathy’s retelling begins at the end, reflecting a much sadder reality and moving backwards. Indicative of the turbulent reality of love on the rocks, The Last Five Years is a beautiful and truly impactful musical that will be on your mind long after the final curtain.

Director Hal Jones said: “I’ve wanted to direct The Last Five Years for over twenty years. Though my background lies in classical adaptations and new writing, this is the one musical I’ve always dreamed of staging. I’m a passionate admirer of Jason Robert Brown’s extraordinary work - its storytelling, music, and emotional depth are unmatched. The narrative structure, with Cathy moving backwards through time and Jamie forwards, creates a compelling theatrical puzzle reminiscent of a Christopher Nolan film. It feels like a haunting memory play - dreamlike, poetic, and full of magical realism. Our production will lean into that, using bold imagery and movement to explore the ghosts of a relationship and the raw beauty of love and heartbreak. The music is breath-taking - joyful, witty, devastating - and I can’t wait to bring it to life with our cast. Performed in intimate venues, our vision promises a deeply personal and emotionally resonant Last Five Years that captures the show’s unique intimacy and power.”

For more info on The Last Five Years, please click the venue websites.