Life of Pi, Wyndham's Theatre

Life of Pi has enchanted millions across the globe over nearly 20 years. Yann Martel's 2001 novel won the Man Booker Prize, selling over 15 million copies worldwide. It has since enjoyed success on screen and on stage. After a sell-out run at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, Lolita Chakrabarti's dazzling theatre adaptation graces the West End stage from September 2021, having been postponed from 2020.

The Sheffield Theatre's production transfers to Wyndham's Theatre, West End, following a string of five-star reviews (Sunday Times, Guardian, The Times, The Stage, Observer). The show starred Hiran Abeysekera as main character Pi Patel, but casting for the West End production is yet to be announced. Equipped with other-worldly lighting, astonishing puppetry design and an innovative set, the adaptation, says The Times, makes 'you believe in the power of theatre'.

The story traces 16-year-old Pi Patel's journey after a cargo ship sinks in the middle of the Pacific. Although he loses his family, Pi isn't the only one aboard the single lifeboat. The harsh conditions are made all the more terrifying by four other survivors: a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger called Richard Parker, a hyena, a zebra and an orangutan.

Hiran Abeysekera as Pi with tiger Richard Parker in the Sheffield production, by Johan Persson

Directed by Max Webster (Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, Cover My Tracks), the Wyndham's Theatre production will spill out from the stage into the stalls, reflecting the vast Pacific. Puppet and movement director Finn Caldwell, the original puppeteer of War Horse, will bring the animal characters to life.

Actress and playwright Lolita Chakrabarti, who adapted the book for the stage, won multiple awards for the most promising playwright (Evening Standard Theatre Award and The Critics Circle Award) following her play Red Velvet. After the stellar reviews for Sheffield's Crucible Theatre production, it looks like the West End production will enjoy similar success.

Tickets for Life of Pi are now on sale. Click here to book.