Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga to star in ‘Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends’

The musical event celebrates Stephen Sondheim’s greatest musicals, including West Side Story, Merrily We Roll Along and Company. The show runs at the Gielgud Theatre in autumn 2023.

Following an all-star gala performance in 2022, Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends will play a 16-week season in the West End. Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends runs at the Gielgud Theatre from 16 September to 6 Jan. 2024.

“Inspired by the shows I had worked on with [Sondheim] and Julia McKenzie, and the desire to showcase his greatest music as well as his great lyrics, the material of Old Friends miraculously fell onto the page pretty much as it is… Steve was always a Broadway Baby at heart, so I’m delighted that I have been able to put together one last great hurrah for my old friend, containing many of the greatest songs ever written for the musical theatre, in one ‘great big Broadway show’ - just as he wanted.” said Cameron Mackintosh.

Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends celebrates the lauded American musical theatre composer, who passed away on 26 Nov. 2021 at the age of 91. Discover more about Sondheim's musicals.

An all-star gala saw dozens of West End and Broadway performers unite to perform Sondheim's greatest hits. Read more about Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends in London.

Bernadette Peters will star in Old Friends. The two-time Tony Award-winning actress’s credits include Gypsy, Into the Woods, and Sunday in the Park With George.

Lea Salonga will also star. The Tony-winning actress won her award for playing Kim in Miss Saigon.

Christine Allado, Janie Dee, Bonnie Langford and Jeremy Secomb return to Old Friends after starring in last year's gala. Beatrice Penny-Touré, Joanna Riding, and Jac Yarrow will also take part, with further casting to be announced.

Matthew Bourne directs, with side by side with Julia McKenzie, choreography by Stephen Mear, set design by Matt Kinley, projection design by George Reeve, lighting design by Warren Letton, sound design by Mick Potter, conducting by Alfonso Casado Trigo, musical supervision by Stephen Brooker, and musical arrangements by Stephen Metcalfe.

When is Stephen Sondheim Old Friends in London?

Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends is in London for 16 weeks. The show runs from 16 September to 6 Jan. 2024. The first concert took place in the West End in May 2022.

Photo credit: Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends (Photo courtesy of production)