Florian Henckel Von Donnersmarck’s The Lives Of Others

About Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s The Lives of Others

Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s The Lives of Others at the Adelphi Theatre is set in 1984 East Germany, where a writer and an actor are placed under state surveillance. From the attic above their apartment, a Stasi man listens for evidence of subversion, as the story traces how observing a life can also change your own.

Written and directed by Olivier Award-winner Robert Icke and based on the Oscar-winning 2007 film, this stage adaptation focuses on artistic censorship, state surveillance and the relationship between art and politics. It plays at the Adelphi Theatre for a strictly limited run from 14 October 2026.

Key facts: Strictly limited run from 14 October 2026 at the Adelphi Theatre.

Before you book

Suitable for ages 14 and older. This production contains themes of an adult nature. No exchanges or refunds are available 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 access information, contact the box office.

Current cast

Current cast includes Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley (Black Doves, Atonement, The Misanthrope), Olivier Award nominee Luke Thompson (Bridgerton, Dunkirk, Oresteia) and Emmy Award winner Stephen Dillane (Game of Thrones, The Tunnel, Vigil).