Everything you need to know about 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

The gorgeously heartfelt folk musical adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald's story is playing at the Ambassadors Theatre in the West End, starring John Dalgleish and Clare Foster.

It’s time! The hugely acclaimed stage musical adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s beautiful short story The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, about a man who is born in old age and gradually gets younger as each day passes, is finally coming to the West End following its hit run at London’s Southwark Playhouse theatre.

Written by Jethro Compton and Darren Clark, the show moves the action to a fishing village in Cornwall, meaning its lush soundtrack is flavoured by the sea: think Mumford and Sons-esque folk songs, wistful ballads, and evocative sea shanties. The story spans two world wars, adding to the tale’s meditation on love, mortality, and making every moment count.

As this gorgeous original musical comes to the Ambassadors Theatre for a West End run, learn all about its plot, music and production history ahead of planning your trip. Take inspiration from the show – and don’t wait too long!

Book The Curious Case of Benjamin Button tickets on London Theatre.

What is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button about?

Benjamin Button began as a 1922 short story by the renowned Jazz Age author F Scott Fitzgerald (of The Great Gatsby fame), first published in Collier’s magazine. It concerns a man who is mysteriously born in 1860 looking like a 70-year-old and then ages backwards. The story follows his troubled marriage, fighting in the Spanish-American War, and complex family life.

Fitzgerald’s tale was adapted into a fairly faithful Hollywood movie in 2008, starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Taraji P Henson, Julia Ormond, and Tilda Swinton. It was directed by David Fincher and it went on to be nominated for 13 Academy Awards, winning three: for art direction, make-up, and visual effects.

The stage musical keeps roughly the same premise but instead begins as the First World War is drawing to a close and covers major events in the 20th century, including the next terrible war and the Apollo moon landing. The show also features a swoon-worthy romance between Benjamin and barmaid Elowen.

The theatre version also relocates the action from America to a close-knit Cornish fishing village, giving it a fresh identity and complementing the enchanting traditional folk score.

Where is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button playing?

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is playing at the Ambassadors Theatre in London’s West End. The Ambassadors Theatre is on West Street, close to several other major theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue, and to Piccadilly Circus. The intimate venue has a capacity of 444.

When can I see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button?

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button begins its West End run on 10 October 2024 and continues until 15 February 2025.

How long is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button?

The running time of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button in London is 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 20-minute interval.

What days is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button playing?

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button plays six days a week at the Ambassadors Theatre, with matinee performances on Tuesday and Saturday, and evening performances Monday through Saturday. For the complete performance schedule and show times, visit The Curious Case of Benjamin Button page on London Theatre.

Major productions of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

The stage adaptation of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button had its world premiere at the Southwark Playhouse in south London on 15 May 2019, directed by co-creator Jethro Compton. This limited run was so successful that the show returned in May 2023 with an expanded cast for a further run.

Now The Curious Case of Benjamin Button moves into the West End, beginning its Ambassadors Theatre run on 10 October 2024 and currently booking to 15 February 2025.

What awards has The Curious Case of Benjamin Button won?

The musical will soon be eligible for major theatre awards such as the Oliviers once it has run in the West End, but it has already picked up acclaim. The 2023 run of the show won the Off West End Theatre Award for Best Musical Production.

Who stars in the new London production?

The most recent cast of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was led by Jamie Parker as the titular character. The talented ensemble don’t just act and sing, but play instruments too: It’s a fully integrated actor-musician production.

Since Parker has since gone on to star in the UK premiere of Next to Normal, John Dalgleish now plays Benjamin Button. Dalgleish previously won an Olivier Award for originating the role of Ray Davies in the Kinks musical Sunny Afternoon.

He is joined by Clare Foster as his love interest Elowen. Foster’s numerous musical theatre credits include Crazy for You and Merrily We Roll Along in the West End and Guys and Dolls at Chichester Festival Theatre.

The West End cast of Benjamin Button also features Matthew Burns, Jonathan Charles, Oonagh Cox, Katy Ellis, Anna Fordham, Philippa Hogg, Damien James, Elliot Mackenzie, Anna Marcuson, Jack Quaron, and Benedict Salter – many of whom reprise their roles from Southwark Playhouse.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button characters

The show's numerous characters include:

• Benjamin Button: A man born in 1918 in a small fishing village, already an old man. He later falls in love with Elowen, but faces struggles like working in a tin mine and fighting in the war.
• Elowen Keene: A barmaid at the Pickled Crab pub who falls just as hard for Benjamin. They are separated by the war, but eventually marry when they are both aged 40.
• Benjamin’s father: Appalled by his son’s strange condition, he initially hides Benjamin – and grieves for his mother, who has killed herself out of shame.
• Jack: Benjamin’s loyal friend.

Who is in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button creative team?

This original musical was co-created by the exciting emerging team of book and lyrics writer Jethro Compton and music and lyrics writer Darren Clark. Compton also directs and has designed the set, while Clark has collaborated on the musical arrangements with musical director Mark Aspinall.

Choreography is by Chi-San Howard, Anna Kelsey is the costume designer and the associate stage designer, sound is by Luke Swaffield, and lighting is by Zoe Spurr.

Fun facts about The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

• F Scott Fitzgerald revealed that the idea for his story was sparked by a quote by Mark Twain (author of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn): “It is a pity that the best part of life comes at the beginning, and the worst part at the end.”
• While Brad Pitt had to undergo lengthy sessions each day to make his character look older (spending around five hours in the makeup chair), Benjamin Button’s transitions on stage are mainly done through sheer physicality and performance.
• Co-creator Darren Clark has said that he and Compton drew on numerous musical influences for their score, from folk artists like Seth Lakeman, Bellowhead and Laura Marling to theatrical greats such as Rodgers and Hammerstein and Stephen Sondheim.
• The actor-musician production sees the cast pick up numerous instruments, including guitar, violin, cello, accordion, trombone, bass, piano, pennywhistle, and drums. There is even an anthem sung in the ancient Cornish language language of Kernewek.

How do I book tickets for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button?

Don't let your time to see this show pass you by — unlike Benjamin, the production isn't getting any younger!

Book The Curious Case of Benjamin Button tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credit: Juan Coolio