Sonia Friedman Productions has officially announced the world premiere of a major new stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning film The Lives of Others. Adapted and directed by the visionary Robert Icke, the production will open at London’s Adelphi Theatre on 29 October 2026, with previews beginning on 14 October.
The company is led by a formidable trio of talent: Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley stars as Christa-Maria Sieland, alongside Emmy Award winner Stephen Dillane as Hauptmann Gerd Wiesler and Olivier Award nominee Luke Thompson as Georg Dreyman. This strictly limited engagement is set to run through 9 January 2027.
Based on Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s 2006 cinematic masterpiece, the play is set in 1984 East Berlin. It tells the haunting story of a writer and an actor placed under rigorous state surveillance. From an attic above their apartment, a Stasi agent listens for evidence of subversion—only to find that observing a life can fundamentally change his own.
The production explores the delicate relationship between art and politics, state surveillance, and the fragility of intellectual freedom. Producer Sonia Friedman describes the story as "both epic and intimate," highlighting its core message of connection and compassion in the most unexpected circumstances.
In a significant artistic collaboration, multi-award-winning composer Max Richter will provide original music for the production. The creative team also features set and costume design by Hildegard Bechtler, lighting by Jon Clark, and sound design by Giles Thomas.
This production marks a reunion for many of the creatives. Robert Icke and Sonia Friedman previously collaborated on acclaimed works including 1984 and Oedipus, while Knightley and Friedman last worked together on The Children’s Hour.
Reflecting a commitment to accessibility, over 25% of the tickets for the run—more than 36,000 seats—are priced at £35 or under, with entry-level tickets starting at just £25.
Tickets are available now at the official website, thelivesofothersplay.com. With a world-class cast and an Olivier Award-winning director at the helm, this electrifying adaptation is poised to be the theatrical event of the autumn.
