Stereophonic
No performances this weekend
See next weekend's performancesThings to Know Before You Go
What is Stereophonic about?
Stereophonic follows a fictional rock band in 1976 as they record a new album in the studio. Over the course of the sessions we witness fraying relationships, frustrated perfectionism and the thrill of watching songs come together in real time. It is less about fame itself and more about the fragile, messy business of creating something that might deserve it.
Is Stereophonic a musical or a play?
Stereophonic is first and foremost a play, but music is woven through it. The songs we hear are part of the band’s work, not separate set pieces, so the show feels closer to being in the room during a recording session than to traditional musical theatre. It will appeal both to theatregoers and to people interested in how classic albums were made.
How long does Stereophonic run?
The performance runs for around 3 hours 10 minutes, usually with an interval. The extended running time allows the piece to breathe, giving space for both quiet, seemingly minor exchanges and bigger confrontations as the recording process grinds on.
Is Stereophonic suitable for younger audiences?
The production is generally recommended for ages 13 and over. It contains strong language, adult themes and scenes that delve into substance use and turbulent relationships. It is written with an adult audience in mind rather than as a family show.
Do I need to know about music production to enjoy Stereophonic?
Not at all. While anyone familiar with recording studios will recognise the details, the play is built around character, conflict and the question of what we owe to our work and to one another. The technical aspects are there to support the story rather than dominate it.
What sort of atmosphere can I expect in the theatre?
The staging aims to make you feel as though you are eavesdropping on something private and unfiltered. Scenes can pivot from funny and chaotic to sharp and painfully honest in a matter of moments, much like a real band dynamic under pressure.
About this show
Step inside a 1970s recording studio as a rock band fights to capture lightning in a bottle in Stereophonic, David Adjmi’s acclaimed play with music. Set in 1976, the action unfolds almost entirely in the studio and control room as an up-and-coming band works on an album that could change their lives. We watch relationships fray, egos clash and tiny creative decisions snowball into career-defining choices, all against the grain of analogue tape and live takes. The result is an unusually intimate, fly-on-the-wall portrait of collaboration, ambition and self-sabotage that treats the making of an album with the same seriousness as any great drama. With original music by Will Butler and direction by Daniel Aukin, this is not a tribute show but a richly detailed human story that happens to be scored like a classic record.
