First Look: Stephen Sondheim’s Final Musical ‘Here We Are’ Premieres at the National Theatre

The National Theatre has unveiled the first look images of Here We Are, the last musical from the legendary Stephen Sondheim. This new work, inspired by two iconic films by Luis Buñuel, features a book by Tony Award-nominee David Ives, known for All in the Timing and Venus in Fur, and is directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello (WICKED, Assassins). The UK premiere runs at the National Theatre’s Lyttelton Theatre until June 28, 2025.

The cast is an impressive ensemble, including Edward Baker-Duly (Ensemble, Understudy Leo Brink & Man), Tracie Bennett (Woman), Alastair Brookshaw (Ensemble, Understudy Bishop & Paul Zimmer), Jack Butterworth (A Visitor, Ensemble, Understudy Soldier), Chumisa Dornford-May (Fritz), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Paul Zimmer), Richard Fleeshman (Soldier), Harry Hadden-Paton (Bishop), Cameron Johnson (Colonel), Rory Kinnear (Leo Brink), Jane Krakowski (Marianne Brink), Molly Lynch (Ensemble, Understudy Marianne Brink & Fritz), Amira Matthews (Ensemble, Understudy Claudia Bursik-Zimmer & Woman), Denis O’Hare (Man), Martha Plimpton (Claudia Bursik-Zimmer), Steven Serlin (Ensemble, Understudy Raffael Santello Di Santicci, Colonel & A Visitor), and Paulo Szot (Raffael Santello Di Santicci).

The story unfolds on what seems to be a perfect day for brunch. Leo and Marianne Brink have chosen the ideal venue to host their friends, boasting excellent reviews and an extensive menu. However, a series of bizarre disruptions during their meal leads them to realize that things are not as perfect as they seem.

Here We Are features a book by David Ives and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Director Joe Mantello collaborates with a talented team, including set and costume designer David Zinn, choreographer Sam Pinkleton, orchestrator Jonathan Tunick, and several other skilled artists.

The production runs at the Lyttelton Theatre until June 28, 2025, with a press performance scheduled for May 8, 2025, at 7 PM. Tickets are available now at nationaltheatre.org.uk.

This is a co-production from Tom Kirdahy, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, and The Stephen Sondheim Trust, in association with Thomas M. Neff, Steven Spielberg, and Kate Capshaw.