Griff Rhys-Jones to star in new production at Theatre Royal in 2027
Two-times Olivier award winner, Griff Rhys-Jones, will be playing Albert Einstein in a new co-production of ‘Albert’s Boy’, being performed at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds in early 2027.
‘Albert’s Boy’ is a compelling and thought-provoking play, written by Olivier Award-winning James Graham and directed by Olivier Award-winning Terry Johnson. It examines the ethics surrounding the atomic bomb and its deployment.
As Einstein’s guilt weighs heavily on his mind, a family friend, Peter Bucky, returns from a prisoner of war camp having seen things Einstein could never imagine. What follows is an explosive collision of beliefs as to which ‘solution to war’ is the lesser evil.
Griff Rhys-Jones said: “I am delighted to be working with Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds on Albert’s Boy. As someone who lives in East Anglia I consider it to be one of my local theatres and so I am looking forward to working with them to stage this fantastic play by James Graham. As a history enthusiast it will be a pleasure to delve into Einstein’s world, and as a man who was known for his sense of humour, I hope I can do the role justice!”
Rhys Jones is one of Britain's most beloved and versatile performers. Best known for ‘Not the Nine O'Clock News’ and ‘Smith and Jones’, he has forged an equally distinguished stage career, playing Fagin in ‘Oliver!’ at Drury Lane, in leading roles at the National Theatre, and most recently as Lord Jim Hacker in ‘I'm Sorry Prime Minister’ at the Apollo Theatre in the West End. He is a two-time Olivier Award winner with four nominations to his name.
“We’re delighted to have Griff Rhys-Jones take on the role of Albert Einstein,” said Owen Calvert-Lyons, Artistic Director at Theatre Royal. “Having seen first-hand the energy and depth he brings to the character, I can’t wait to share this standout production with audiences. Griff is going to be working with a stellar team in James Graham and Terry Johnson, so audiences are in for a treat.”
This production arrives at a moment when global conversations about nuclear weapons, the technology of war and whether peace can ever be achieved through conflict, feel more relevant than ever. Albert’s Boy offers a nuanced and human conversation from opposing perspectives and leaves us to consider the ripples of our own actions.
Co-producing alongside Daniel Schumann and Lee Dean, this will be a play that will be spoken about for years to come.
Access performances are available.
The show will follow its run at Theatre Royal with a UK tour.
Albert’s Boy is at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds on 26 February - 20 March 2027.
FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE