About Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s The Lives of Others

Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s The Lives of Others plays at the Adelphi Theatre for a strictly limited run from 14 October 2026. Set in 1984 East Germany, it follows a writer and an actor placed under state surveillance, while the Stasi man listening from the attic above their apartment searches for evidence of subversion.

Written and directed by Olivier Award-winner Robert Icke and based on the Oscar-winning 2007 film, the production explores artistic censorship, state surveillance and the relationship between art and politics. It stars Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley, Olivier Award nominee Luke Thompson and Emmy Award winner Stephen Dillane.

Listening changes everything: as the story develops, observation becomes part of the drama itself, with the focus firmly on the consequences of power, secrecy and interference in private lives.

Key facts: Strictly limited run from 14 October 2026 at the Adelphi Theatre; suitable for ages 14 and over; contains themes of an adult nature.

Before you book

This production is suitable for ages 14 years and older and contains themes of an adult nature. There are no exchanges or refunds after purchase. Audio described performance: Saturday 5 December 2026, 2:30pm. Captioned performance: Saturday 7 November 2026, 2:30pm. BSL signed performance: Saturday 14 November 2026, 2:30pm.

Venue

Adelphi Theatre, 409-412 Strand, London, United Kingdom.

For more information about access, contact the box office.

Current cast

Keira Knightley, Luke Thompson and Stephen Dillane star in the production. Knightley is an Academy Award nominee, Thompson is an Olivier Award nominee and Dillane is an Emmy Award winner.

Description supplied by the event organiser.