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 officer listens for evidence of subversion as the story tracks how observing a life can alter the observer.

Written and directed by Olivier Award-winner Robert Icke, this production is based on the Oscar-winning 2007 film and examines 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; audio described, captioned and BSL signed performances are available on 5 December, 7 November and 14 November 2026, all at 2:30pm.

Before you book

Suitable for ages 14 years and older. This production contains themes of an adult nature.

No exchanges or refunds after purchase.

Accessibility performances are scheduled for Saturday 7 November 2026 at 2:30pm (Captioned Performance), Saturday 14 November 2026 at 2:30pm (BSL Signed Performance) and Saturday 5 December 2026 at 2:30pm (Audio Described Performance).

Venue

Adelphi Theatre
409-412 Strand, London, United Kingdom

Contact the box office for more information.

Current cast

The production stars Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley, Olivier Award nominee Luke Thompson and Emmy Award winner Stephen Dillane.