The Lives Of Others

About this experience

About The Lives of Others The Lives of Others is a play at the Adelphi Theatre, a strictly limited West End transfer of the National Theatre production. Robert Icke adapts and directs Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's 2006 Oscar-winning film for the stage, with a cast led by Keira Knightley as Christa-Maria Sieland, Luke Thompson as the playwright Georg Dreyman, and Stephen Dillane as Stasi officer Gerd Wiesler. The production opened at the National Theatre to strong reviews and Olivier recognition before this West End run from 14 October 2026 to 9 January 2027. Hildegard Bechtler designs, with original music by Max Richter and lighting by Jon Clark. Running time is around two hours including one fifteen minute interval, and the production is recommended for ages 14 and above. What to expect Set in East Berlin in the mid 1980s, the play follows a loyal Stasi officer assigned to bug the flat of a celebrated playwright and his actress partner. The long days of listening start to do something to him that surveillance is not supposed to do, and a routine operation slowly turns into a study of conscience, art, and the cost of watching another person's life. Icke's stage adaptation keeps the film's quiet tension and adds a theatre-specific weight: the audience is, in effect, the second pair of ears in the room. Tickets cover one performance on the date and seat you select from the live Adelphi seating plan, across stalls, dress circle and upper circle. There are no exchanges or refunds once a booking is confirmed. The Adelphi Theatre and getting there The Adelphi Theatre, on the Strand in the heart of things to do in London, is an Art Deco house that opened in its current form in 1930 and seats about 1,500. Charing Cross is the closest Underground and rail station, with Covent Garden and Embankment a short walk away. For seating notes, full schedules and other shows at the venue, see the Adelphi Theatre schedule.

Highlights

• West End run at the Adelphi Theatre, 14 Oct 2026 to 9 Jan 2027
• Keira Knightley, Luke Thompson and Stephen Dillane lead the cast
• Adapted from the 2006 Oscar-winning film by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
• Robert Icke adapts and directs this National Theatre transfer
• Strictly limited engagement following Olivier-recognised National Theatre run

What is included

• Live theatre performance at the Adelphi Theatre

Before you go

Arrival and timing The performance is around two hours including one interval of about fifteen minutes. Aim to be in your seat ten to fifteen minutes before curtain so you can settle in and clear bag checks at the door. Latecomers are usually held until a suitable break in the action. Seating and the auditorium The Adelphi is a fully seated proscenium theatre arranged across stalls, dress circle and upper circle. Seats are allocated and you choose them at checkout from the live seating plan, so you can pick a row and side that suit you before paying. In the theatre Please switch phones to silent and keep them away during the performance. Photography and recording are not allowed once the show begins. Smart casual is the usual dress code. Cloakrooms, bars and restrooms are available on site. Outside food is not normally permitted inside the auditorium. The Strand has plenty of places to eat or drink before and after the show.

Cancellation terms

These tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.