Jesse Tyler Ferguson to star as Truman Capote in TRU at Menier Chocolate Factory

The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced that multi-award-winning Jesse Tyler Ferguson will make his Menier debut playing Truman Capote in Jay Presson Allen’s play Tru, which plays at the venue from 19 September - 14 November.

Directed by the award-winning Rob Ashford, and drawn entirely from Capote’s own words, Tru was originally staged in 1989. Ashford and Ferguson (Jesus Christ Superstar, West End; Here We Are, National Theatre) collaborated on this new production in March at House of the Redeemer’s Library.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson said: “I’m thrilled to bring this intimate production of Tru to the Menier following its successful New York run. The audience response to this unique theatrical experience, and the chance to encounter Truman Capote up close, was incredibly rewarding. I’m delighted that Rob Ashford and I now have the opportunity to share what we’ve created with London audiences."

Rob Ashford added: “I had the great pleasure of directing Jesse in a staged reading of Tru as a one-night-only charity benefit in Tangier, Morocco, in the summer of 2024. He was mesmerizing! He captured the truth of the man, his humour and heartbreak. I’m thrilled that we get the opportunity to further explore this great pairing of actor and character in London.”

It's December 1975 and Truman Capote is alone in his New York apartment, reeling from a crisis that cost him friendship of the elite social circle he adored. Drawn entirely from Capote’s own words, this funny and heartbreaking play is an unflinching portrait of an artist at his breaking point, confronting the consequences of his most scandalous work.

Public booking opens on 20 July, with further info on Tru here.