Jesse Tyler Ferguson will lead the London premiere of Jay Presson Allen’s solo show Tru at the Menier Chocolate Factory, reprising the role of Truman Capote from a critically acclaimed New York production. Directed by Rob Ashford, the play offers an intimate look at Capote’s life through his own words.

The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced that Jesse Tyler Ferguson will star in the London debut of Jay Presson Allen’s Tru, directed by Rob Ashford. Ferguson reprises his role as Truman Capote after a successful run in New York earlier this year. The solo piece draws entirely from Capote’s own words as the writer grapples with the fallout from publishing an unfinished memoir that alienated his social circle.

Tru was first staged in 1989, with Robert Morse originating the role of Capote; Morse won a Tony Award for the performance and an Emmy for the television adaptation. The London production features design by Paul Farnsworth and will play in the intimate space of the Menier Chocolate Factory.

Before the Menier, the show was presented at the House of the Redeemer in New York, where director Rob Ashford worked alongside Ferguson. Zachary Stewart, chief critic at TheaterMania, praised Ashford’s staging for creating a personal experience, with Capote interacting closely with the audience through mementos and storytelling.

Ferguson, currently appearing as Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing the production to London. He described the opportunity as “incredibly rewarding” and is “delighted” to share the portrayal of Capote with audiences in the city.

This marks another chapter in Ferguson’s growing connection with London theatre, following his appearance in the National Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s final musical Here We Are, as well as his current role in the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice summer musical at the London Palladium.

Rob Ashford highlighted his first collaboration with Ferguson in a 2024 charity benefit in Morocco, commenting, “He captured the truth of the man, his humour and heartbreak,” and expressed excitement about further exploring the actor-character relationship in London.

Priority booking for Tru opens on 13 July, with tickets available to the general public from 20 July. The Menier Chocolate Factory continues to present Olivier Award-nominated productions such as The Producers, and is preparing to welcome Tony Award winner Ben Platt in the UK premiere of new musical Midnight at the Never Get later this month.