Academy and Emmy award-winner Christine Lahti will make her UK stage debut in The Smile of Her, a personal solo show playing at the Marylebone Theatre this summer. The deeply autobiographical piece explores inherited stories and women’s silent struggles, marking a significant new chapter for the celebrated actor and writer.

Christine Lahti, known for her acclaimed film and television work, will bring her solo play The Smile of Her to London’s Marylebone Theatre from 10 July to 29 August, with a press night on 16 July. The play offers a personal, autobiographical exploration of the stories Lahti inherited, the silences she grew up within, and the complexities of female resilience.

The Smile of Her first premiered in 2023 at Berkshire Theatre Group in the US. This latest production, directed by Mêlisa Annis, marks Lahti’s first appearance on the London stage. The piece is described by Lahti as “funny, painful, full of love and, I hope, ultimately liberating.”

Produced by Nina Tassler, Jenny Warburg, and Wild Yak, in association with Gloria Steinem, the production features design by Sarah Beaton, with sound by David Gregory, lighting by Matt Haskins, and projection design by Matt Powell.

Lahti emphasised the personal nature of the play, saying it began as an effort “to understand the stories I inherited” and “the ways women are taught to smile through pain, anger and ambition.” Bringing the show to London represents an important moment for Lahti and her work.

The Smile of Her adds to a growing body of autobiographical and solo stage work by prominent actors addressing themes of female identity and legacy. Its London debut underscores a continued interest in deeply personal storytelling on UK stages.