Mad Men’s Bryan Batt to make UK stage debut in Here Comes J Edgar! musical
Bryan Batt, known for his role in Mad Men, will star as J Edgar Hoover in the world premiere of Here Comes J Edgar! at London’s King’s Head Theatre this summer. The musical comedy offers a fresh, 1950s-style take on the complex life of the long-serving FBI director.
Bryan Batt will make his London stage debut leading the world premiere of Here Comes J Edgar! at the King’s Head Theatre. The production runs from 10 July to 16 August 2026, with a press night scheduled for 16 July.
The new comedy musical focuses on the public and private life of J Edgar Hoover, who headed the FBI from 1924 to 1972. It explores Hoover’s long-rumoured relationship with his deputy Clyde Tolson and frames the story through the lens of a stylised 1950s musical comedy.
Here Comes J Edgar! is written by Harry Shearer, known for The Simpsons, and Tom Leopold, who has a background in Cheers, with music by Peter Matz. The show is directed by Josh Seymour, choreographed by Bill Deamer and sees Benjamin Ferguson overseeing musical supervision.
The creative team also includes designer Sophia Pardon, costume designer Tom Paris, lighting by Jamie Platt, and sound design by Nick Lodge. Casting is by Harry Blumenau with general management handled by James Quaife for Luminous Entertainment Group.
Batt described his involvement as a thrilling debut and characterised the show as “hysterical, sometimes touching, and wildly entertaining.” Co-writer Shearer praised Batt’s stage presence, citing his performances in the annual Christmas Without Tears show in New Orleans.
The musical’s creators bring extensive comedy backgrounds from American television and film, pairing with Matz whose musical credits include collaborations with Barbra Streisand and Carol Burnett. Performances will be held Tuesday to Sunday at 7.30pm, with matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Tickets for Here Comes J Edgar! are currently on sale, giving London audiences a chance to see this blend of historical portraiture and musical comedy live on stage.
