GRAYSON THE MUSICAL Will Hold First Look Preview Performances at Soho Theatre Walthamstow
The new musical based on Grayson Perry's life will stage preview performances in east London.
A workshop production of a brand-new musical comedy inspired by the life of Turner Prize and BAFTA award winning Sir Grayson Perry will come to Soho Theatre Walthamstow from 16 - 19 July for a strictly limited series of five preview performances.
GRAYSON THE MUSICAL offers audiences an exclusive early glimpse of this brand-new musical comedy directed by double Olivier Award winner Sean Foley (The Ladykillers, Dr. Strangelove). Funny, irreverent, and unexpectedly moving, the show tells the incredible true story of one of Britain's most celebrated contemporary artists.
Follow Grayson as he struggles to make his mark on the world while never quite feeling like he fits in. From the wrong class, wearing the wrong dress and making all the wrong choices, Grayson's journey takes him from an Essex working-class council estate to the dizzying heights of the Tate Gallery. This irreverent odyssey sees him navigate identity, creativity and self-acceptance via marital breakdowns, career disasters and some life coaching from a six-foot teddy bear named Alan.
Combining outrageous humour with emotional honesty, GRAYSON THE MUSICAL features music by Richard Thomas (Jerry Springer: The Opera), book by Sara-Ella Ozbek and lyrics and life story by Grayson Perry himself. This joyous and riotous new musical is about growing up and embracing who you truly are, touching on themes of family, therapy, art and, of course, cross-dressing – you know, all the usual musical comedy tropes!
Grayson Perry said: “When I first started thinking about turning my life into a musical, I realised it already contained most of the essential ingredients – questionable fashion choices and class anxiety amongst them. Beneath all the comedy however, is a story about trying to work out who you are and if you can ever truly belong. A concept which many may relate to. I'm delighted that the show will be starting its life at Soho Theatre Walthamstow and excited to see what audiences make of it.”
Presented as a special first-look engagement ahead of further development, these five performances offer audiences an exclusive early opportunity to experience this bold new British musical.
Tickets go on sale Wednesday 20 May 2026 at 10am, with pre-sale available from Tuesday 19th May at 10am.
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