Actor Matt Smith, widely known for his performance in 'House of the Dragon,' is preparing to star in a new stage adaptation of Matt Haig's celebrated novel 'The Humans' in London's West End. The theatrical script has been penned by prominent writer Jack Thorne, whose credits include 'Adolescence' and 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.' Award-winning director Jeremy Herrin, known for stage hits like 'Wolf Hall' and 'People, Places and Things,' will direct the limited engagement at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
The production is scheduled to begin preview performances on October 30, 2027, with an official opening night set for November 16, 2027. The limited run will officially conclude on January 28, 2028. Further details regarding additional cast members and the wider creative team have not yet been announced. Followers of major narrative projects across film and theatre will recognize the experienced creative team assembled for this ambitious production.
In the story, Smith plays an unnamed extraterrestrial entity sent to Earth to halt human scientific and technological advancement, which his alien society regards as a dangerous threat. To carry out his assignment, he takes over the physical body of Andrew Martin, a Cambridge mathematics professor. As he experiences daily life inside Martin's body, the alien witnesses both the dark and inspiring aspects of humanity, ultimately undergoing a profound personal change.
The stage show is being brought to life by production companies Melting Pot and Second Half Productions, in association with Access Entertainment. Melting Pot was established in 2015 by Simon Friend and produced the theatrical adaptation of 'Life of Pi' as well as the Oscar-winning film 'The Father.' Second Half Productions was co-founded in 2020 by Herrin alongside Alan Stacey and Rob O'Rahilly. Access Entertainment, owned by Len Blavatnik and Danny Cohen, owns the Theatre Royal Haymarket venue and has previously backed acclaimed films such as 'Conclave' and 'The Zone of Interest,' alongside stage productions like Sarah Snook's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' and the Royal Shakespeare Company's 'Game of Thrones: The Mad King,' which is also scheduled to transfer to London in 2027.
Reflecting on the project, Thorne praised Haig's underlying book, emphasizing that the narrative revolves around an alien discovering the complex beauty of human life. Haig revealed that 'The Humans' remains one of his most deeply personal books, adding that Thorne's script elevates the material and that Smith is ideal for the lead role. Herrin commended Smith's acting range and intensity, while Smith expressed excitement about collaborating once again with Herrin to bring the book to the West End theatre stage.
