A radically reworked production of the musical Martin Guerre is set to open at London’s Old Vic this October, directed by Matthew Warchus. The new staging promises fresh lyrics and immersive design in a limited five-week run.

The Old Vic will host a new version of Martin Guerre, the musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, creators of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, this autumn. Set in 16th-century rural France, the story follows Bertrande, a peasant woman whose husband Martin abandons their village, only to return years later as a changed man.

Originally premiering at the Prince Edward Theatre in 1996, Martin Guerre has undergone several major revisions since its debut. This latest iteration, directed by Matthew Warchus, marks a significant reworking with new folk-inflected orchestrations, fresh lyrics, and an immersive in-the-round staging.

Warchus, who describes the production as his penultimate show, highlighted the musical’s transformation, explaining that it has been “many years in the making.” He praised the updated version as “extraordinary” and radically reworked to offer a new theatrical experience.

The new lyrics are a collaboration between Alain Boublil, Annabel Mutale Reed, and Paul Hodge, alongside contributions from Stephen Clark, with original French lyrics by Boublil and additional material by Hodge. The creative team includes set and costume design by Rob Howell, choreography by Lizzi Gee, and lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, Luca Panetta, and Toby Ison.

Sound design is by Fergus O’Hare, orchestrations by Tom Curran, and musical supervision by Chris Poon. Casting is overseen by Will Burton of Grindrod Burton Casting. Specific casting choices and exact performance dates will be announced at a later time.

The production is scheduled for a limited five-week engagement, inviting audiences to experience a reimagined take on the story that has evolved since its mid-90s London premiere.