The excitement in the brick-lined basement of Old Street Records was palpable. Some fortunate members of the press had been invited to a Behind the Scenes First Look heralding the transfer of Stereophonic, the play that’s been a Broadway sensation, to the Duke of York’s Theatre from Saturday, 24 May 2025. In New York, Stereophonic became the most nominated Tony play of all time, winning the Tony Award for Best Play.
Stereophonic is set in the confines of a music studio, the year is 1976. Working on a second album is an up-and-coming band of three Brits and two Americans, along with a music producer and sound engineers. The audience watches the highs and lows of the band’s creative process as the band’s personal relationships and their impacts are explored. This band is on the cusp of becoming superstars, but the ensuing pressure may spark its breakup.
William Butler of Arcade Fire, who has written the original songs for this play, beautifully demonstrated in Old Street how a song germinates, starting as a few core notes on a keyboard accompanied by a solo, exploring voice before transforming into its fully formed self when taken up and played by a band. Some members of the London cast were present in Old Street Records with their instruments and played a live set, which was a sensation.
Charismatic Jack Riddiford, who has been a member of bands in real life, plays the stage band’s lead male singer and guitarist, Peter. He is going to be a great hit. Lucy Karczeski is engaging as the lead female singer, Diana, and Nia Towle is a balancing presence as Holly on the keyboard. Xachary Hart, who plays bass guitar, also has previous experience of being in a group. Chris Stack is the drummer, Simon, a cheerful, unmissable presence in Old Street.
The American playwright David Adjmi, along with director Daniel Aukin, described the creation and development of their smash hit play. They seemed to be as charmingly thrilled to be in London as those at this event in London were to welcome them. The arrival of Stereophonic in the West End has been much anticipated.
Don’t miss.
By Marian Kennedy
Following a smash hit run on Broadway where it became the most Tony-nominated play of all time, Stereophonic is transferring to the West End. The show will play a limited run at the Duke of York’s Theatre from Saturday 24 May 2025.
Stereophonic mines the agony and the ecstasy of creation as it zooms in on a music studio in 1976. Here, an up-and-coming rock band recording a new album finds itself suddenly on the cusp of superstardom. The ensuing pressures could spark their breakup – or their breakthrough.
Written by David Adjmi, directed by Daniel Aukin, and featuring original music by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler, Stereophonic invites the audience to immerse themselves – with fly-on-the-wall intimacy – in the powder keg process of a band on the brink of blowing up.
Book Tickets for Stereophonic
Duke of York’s Theatre
104 St Martin’s Lane, London, United Kingdom, WC2N 4BG
