Daniel Krikler to star as Wladyslaw Szpilman in THE PIANIST at Park Theatre
Photo credit: Richard Lakos
Producers of the world premiere of The Pianist have announced that Daniel Krikler (Redcliffe, Southwark Playhouse) will star as Wladyslaw Szpilman in the new musical stage adaptation of Szpilman’s internationally acclaimed memoir, the inspiration behind Roman Polanski’s Academy Award-winning film.
Written and directed by Thom Southerland, The Pianist will run at Park Theatre, London from 15 October - 28 November. Before its London opening, the production will play a limited run at Mayflower Studios, Southampton, from 9-12 September.
This landmark new production brings his story and music together on stage for the first time, featuring Szpilman’s own compositions with new musical arrangements by Simon Lee, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s long-time Musical Director.
The production also features choreography & movement direction by Karen Bruce, set and video design by Andrzej Goulding, lighting by Robbie Butler, sound by Gareth Tucker for Autograph Sound, costumes by Jonathan Lipman, musical direction by Malcolm Forbes-Peckham, and casting by Ginny Schiller CDG.
Daniel Krikler said: “I couldn’t be more honoured and excited to be bringing Wladyslaw’s life to the stage, especially in a way that truly celebrates his own compositions through phenomenal live musicians and orchestrations. As well as being a timely reminder of what happens when we dehumanise a particular section of society, Szpilman’s story demonstrates the true universality and power of music.”
Best known worldwide through his memoir and the Academy Award-winning film it inspired, Wladyslaw Szpilman was not only a Holocaust survivor, but one of Poland’s most celebrated composers and pianists.
The production will feature new lyrics by an international group of writers and musicians, bringing fresh voice to Szpilman’s original compositions. The lyricists and songwriters include two-time Grammy nominee Carol Connors, acclaimed songwriter David Batteau, jazz singer Wendy Lands and collaborator Jim Gillard, Grammy-nominated Michael Ruff, Szpilman’s son Andreas Szpilman, and award-winning lyricist Marcy Heisler. Together, their work allows Szpilman’s music to sit at the heart of the production, not simply as accompaniment, but as another voice in the telling of his story.
Thom Southerland said: “The Pianist is a story that has lived with me for many years, and I feel deeply honoured to be bringing it to the stage. At its heart is Wladyslaw Szpilman’s extraordinary journey of survival, but what moves me most is the humanity that shines through the darkest of circumstances. It is a story about compassion, courage, and the moments of kindness that can change the course of a life.
“Throughout this process, it has been a genuine privilege to collaborate with the Szpilman family. Their trust in us to tell Wladyslaw’s story is something I carry with great responsibility, and their insight has been invaluable in helping us bring him to life not only as a survivor, but as an artist, a father, and a man whose music was inseparable from who he was.
“I have also been incredibly fortunate to work alongside an exceptional team of creatives. Collaborating with Karen Bruce, Simon Lee, Robbie Butler, and the extraordinary Daniel Krikler, who embodies Szpilman with such sensitivity and depth, has been a constant source of inspiration. Every person involved has brought immense passion and care to this production, united by a desire to honour the truth of this story.
“One of the aspects of the production I am most excited to share is the music. Beyond the story that many people know, there exists a wealth of beautiful and often overlooked music composed by Szpilman himself. To unearth these works and allow audiences to experience them in the context of his life feels incredibly special. His music becomes another voice in the telling of this story, one that speaks of loss, hope, memory and ultimately survival.
“As we prepare to share The Pianist with audiences, I am reminded of why this story continues to resonate across generations. In a world that can often feel divided, it reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of art to sustain us, connect us, and, at times, save us. I hope audiences are moved not only by what Szpilman endured, but by what he created, and by the enduring belief that even in the darkest moments, humanity and beauty can prevail.”
A cast of virtuoso actor-musicians conjures the golden age of Jewish Warsaw in all its warmth and wit: the packed concert halls, the candlelit cafés, the irrepressible spirit of a city that loved music above all else.
Original compositions from the so-called "Polish Gershwin" score his story: popular songs that had Warsaw humming, compositions that made him a star.
At its heart, this is a love letter to culture, to the artists and dreamers who carried it, and to the extraordinary power of creativity to outlast even the most turbulent chapters of history. Szpilman's music doesn't merely accompany this story; it breathes life into it, binding past to present and reminding us that some things, once made, can never truly be silenced.
Further casting to be announced.
