'Till the Stars Come Down' to transfer to the West End

Beth Steel's play had its world premiere at the National Theatre in January last year and tells the story of a working-class, larger-than-life family, as they come together on the day of a wedding.

The National Theatre's production of Beth Steel's Till the Stars Come Down will transfer to the West End this summer for a limited run. Performances begin at Theatre Royal Haymarket from 1 July, running until 27 September.

Steel's play, which had its world premiere in January last year, is a heartbreaking and hilarious portrayal of a working-class, larger-than-life family, as they come together on the day of Sylvia and Marek’s wedding day.

In a five-star review for LondonTheatre.co.uk, our critic said of the National Theatre run: "Beth Steel makes an early bid for play of the year with the properly funny, fiercely loving and piercingly perceptive Till the Stars Come Down. It’s a state-of-the-nation drama told through the prism of one family, and a generational tale boiled down to one day; brilliantly specific in its references, yet universal in its hilarious, heart-stopping storytelling."

Directed by Olivier Award winner Bijan Sheibani, the production's creative team also includes set and costume designer, Samal Blak; lighting designer, Paule Constable; choreographer and movement director, Aline David; sound designer, Gareth Fry; revival director, Elin Schofield; dialect coach, Charmian Hoare; intimacy director, Asha Jennings-Grant, and fight director, Kev McCurdy.

Steel said: “I couldn't be more excited for Till the Stars Come Down to move into its new home in the Theatre Royal Haymarket this summer. Having a play staged at the National Theatre in 2024 was a dream come true, to be bringing it to the West End is nothing short of a fever dream! It was a privilege for the play to be nominated for ‘Best New Play’ at last year's Olivier Awards and I'm just so thrilled that this glorious ensemble of characters gets to connect, with all their life force, to a wider audience.

"I began the play as writer-in-residence at the National Theatre's New Work Department, a career changing attachment that gave me the space and support needed to bring it into being and it was an honour to watch Bijan Sheibani and the wider team unleash it! I can't wait to see them do it again.”

Rufus Norris, Director and Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre, said: “I am delighted that Beth Steel's brilliant debut play at the National Theatre is transferring into the West End. Audiences adored Till the Stars Come Down when it was staged in the Dorfman last year and we are all incredibly proud and pleased that this wonderful production by Bijan Sheibani will get to be shared with many more people. We are deeply appreciative and excited, to be working with our co-producers to make this possible.”

Casting is to be announced.

Check back for Till the Stars Come Down on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Till the Stars Come Down at the National. (Photo courtesy of production)