Franz & Marie

Franz & Marie description

About the Show

Set in the twisted world of late nineteenth-century European folklore, Franz & Marie follows Franz Woyzeck, a soldier haunted by nightmares since returning from the front line. He lives for two people: his girlfriend Marie and their baby, Georgie. As poverty, humiliation and the demands of those above him close in, the small world the couple have built together begins to come apart.

The musical reimagines Georg Büchner's unfinished tragedy Woyzeck, and where the original centres on Franz, this version expands Marie's role to give her equal prominence — pairing the two in the title much as Romeo and Juliet are paired. It is a story of class prejudice, toxic masculinity and social inequality, told with dark humour and set to a raw, indie folk score played live by a company of fourteen actor-musicians.

Cast and Creatives

The book and lyrics are by Chris Broderick, with music by Chris Broderick and Rob Shepherd, in a new adaptation by Teresa Howard and with additional music, arrangements and orchestrations by Steven Edis. The production is directed by Michael Oakley, with choreography by Ben Wright, set and costume design by Bretta Gerecke, lighting by Christopher Nairne and sound by Andrew Johnson and Oscar Cotran.

The piece is performed by an ensemble of fourteen actor-musicians who play the score live on stage. It is produced by the South Korean company ACOM — known for The Last Empress, Hero and Arang: Dreamland of the Peach Blossoms — with Steven M Levy for Charing Cross Theatre Productions.

Why You Should Watch It

Making its London premiere at the Charing Cross Theatre from 28 September 2026, Franz & Marie breathes new life into a classic tragedy with a visceral score and two lovers at its heart. Book now.

Playing at Charing Cross Theatre (venue info)