Josh Radnor and Noah Galvin will star in the world premiere of Jonathan Caren’s new play Hit Machine at Soho Theatre this summer. The production marks both actors’ London stage debuts and explores themes of music and male identity.

Hit Machine follows two estranged brothers—one a record mogul, the other an aspiring musician—in a story underscored by original music from multi-Grammy winner Ben Harper. The play, directed by Daniel Bailey, opens at Soho Theatre on 8 July and runs until 15 August.

Jonathan Caren’s piece was a finalist for the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center’s 2025 National Playwright’s Conference and has been showcased at IAMA’s New Works Fest and The Working Theater’s inaugural Stage Left Festival.

Caren described the play as an examination of how pop music can be manufactured yet still resonate emotionally, while also addressing how men confront shame and shape their identities around it.

Radnor and Galvin’s involvement marks their first appearance on a London stage, adding a significant draw for the production. The play is produced by Spiral Stairs Entertainment and BPM Theatrical in partnership with Soho Theatre.

Kater Gordon is a co-producer, with general management handled by James Steel Productions. Additional cast and creative team members are yet to be announced.

The show joins a growing list of contemporary theatre exploring music’s cultural impact and the complexities of family dynamics.