Griff Rhys Jones to star as Albert Einstein in Albert’s Boy revival at Bury St Edmunds
Griff Rhys Jones will lead a new production of James Graham’s Albert’s Boy at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds in early 2027, exploring ethical dilemmas around the atomic bomb. The revival also marks a collaboration with director Terry Johnson and a forthcoming UK tour.
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds has announced that Griff Rhys Jones will play Albert Einstein in the new staging of Albert’s Boy, written by James Graham and directed by Terry Johnson. The production runs from 26 February to 20 March 2027 and is a co-production with Daniel Schumann and Lee Dean before embarking on a UK tour.
Albert’s Boy centres on Albert Einstein’s internal conflict over the creation and deployment of the atomic bomb, juxtaposed with the experiences of Peter Bucky, a family friend and prisoner of war who has witnessed the horrors of conflict firsthand. The play delves into the moral responsibility tied to scientific discovery and warfare.
Rhys Jones, a resident of East Anglia and self-described history enthusiast, expressed enthusiasm about working with his local theatre and engaging with Einstein’s complex character. He noted the physicist’s well-known sense of humour, hoping to bring that aspect to his portrayal.
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds artistic director Owen Calvert-Lyons praised Rhys Jones’s depth and energy in the role, highlighting the creative team behind the production, including playwright James Graham and director Terry Johnson, promising a compelling experience for audiences.
James Graham originally wrote Albert’s Boy more than 20 years ago, with its first London production staged in September 2005. Graham’s credits include acclaimed works such as Punch, Dear England, and Labour of Love, underscoring his reputation in contemporary British theatre.
Details of the subsequent UK tour will be announced later, and tickets for the Bury St Edmunds run are already available via the theatre’s website. The production’s engagement with historical and ethical themes continues a recent theatrical interest in revisiting landmark moments in science and politics.
