Matt Smith to Star in West End Adaptation of The Humans
Jack Thorne adapts Matt Haig’s novel for a 2027 London stage premiere.
1West End Premiere Announced
Matt Smith will headline the world premiere of The Humans, a stage adaptation of Matt Haig’s novel. Written by Jack Thorne, the play is scheduled for a limited run at London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket. Previews begin October 30, 2027, with the official opening night set for November 16, 2027, concluding January 28, 2028.
2Alien Protagonist Narrative
The story follows an unnamed extraterrestrial sent to Earth to halt human progress, which is perceived as a threat. The alien assumes the identity of Andrew Martin, a Cambridge mathematics professor. Throughout the narrative, the protagonist experiences the duality of human nature, ultimately undergoing a profound transformation while observing both our best and worst.
3Creative Team Collaboration
Jeremy Herrin, known for his work on Wolf Hall, will direct the production. Thorne, celebrated for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, adapted the script, which Haig described as deeply personal. The production team includes Melting Pot and Second Half Productions, working in association with Access Entertainment, which owns the historic Haymarket venue.
4Production and Backing
Access Entertainment, led by Len Blavatnik and Danny Cohen, is backing the project alongside other producers. The company has a history of supporting high-profile stage and film projects, including The Zone of Interest and Sarah Snook’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. Their involvement underscores the significant investment behind this upcoming theatrical event.
5Director's Artistic Vision
Jeremy Herrin founded Second Half Productions in 2020 and previously served as artistic director at Headlong. He emphasizes that Smith’s performance will rely on intensity and courage to convey the alien’s complex learning process. The director noted that Thorne recognized the stage potential of Haig’s narrative immediately upon reading the source material.
6Author's Literary Background
Matt Haig is a prolific author whose works, including The Midnight Library and How to Stop Time, have achieved global success. His books have been translated into over 50 languages, with A Boy Called Christmas adapted into a feature film. Haig expressed strong confidence in Thorne’s script and Smith’s casting for this adaptation.
7Producer Track Records
Melting Pot, launched by Simon Friend in 2015, brings substantial experience to the production. The company previously produced the stage version of Life of Pi and the Oscar-winning film The Father. Their involvement suggests a high production standard for the upcoming 2027 run, aligning with their history of successful literary-to-stage transitions.
8Strategic Timing and Context
The 2027 schedule aligns with other major projects backed by Access Entertainment, such as the transfer of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Game of Thrones: The Mad King to London. By securing Matt Smith, currently known for House of the Dragon, the production aims to draw significant audiences during the winter season at Haymarket.
Original article: Variety — Matt Smith to Star in West End Adaptation of The Humans