FWA is delighted to announce that FRANZ & MARIE will play at Charing Cross Theatre from Monday 28 September to Saturday 14 November 2026. Inspired by Georg Büchner’s WOYZECK, the new musical features the original book and lyrics by Chris Broderick in a new adaptation by FWA client Teresa Howard.
Produced by ACOM and Steven M Levy for Charing Cross Theatre Productions Limited, FRANZ & MARIE also features music by Rob Shepherd and Chris Broderick, with additional music, arrangements and orchestrations by Steven Edis. The production is directed by Michael Oakley.
FRANZ & MARIE is a unique and visceral musical that breathes new life into Büchner’s classic German tragedy with a soul-rattling Indie Raw Folk score. Originally commissioned two decades ago by the award-winning Korean company ACOM and created by key members of the Kentish underground cult band The Singing Loins, the musical has been reimagined for Charing Cross Theatre in Teresa Howard’s new adaptation, featuring a cast of fourteen actor-musicians.
The musical transforms a legendary tale into a heart-breaking tragedy, exploring contemporary themes of class prejudice and toxic masculinity, infused with sharp dark humour.
Set in the twisted world of late nineteenth-century European folklore, a band of young soldiers has recently returned from the front line and is stationed at an isolated military outpost. Among them is Franz Woyzeck, a man haunted by nightmares since his return, seeing fire in the sky as hallucinations blur the line between reality and trauma.
Franz lives for two people: his girlfriend, Marie, and their baby, Georgie. Forbidden from taking leave during the war, they have never been able to marry, but his devotion is absolute as he goes above and beyond to provide for his family.
The title FRANZ & MARIE refers to Woyzeck’s first name and that of his girlfriend. Much like Romeo and Juliet, they love each other deeply and set out on an unforgiving path that could lead them to a bitter, tragic end. In this new adaptation, the character and narrative of Marie have evolved through the creative process, allowing her to step into the spotlight beside Franz and earning her place alongside his in the title.
Joining Teresa Howard and Michael Oakley on the creative team are choreographer Ben Wright, designer Bretta Gerecke, lighting designer Christopher Nairne, sound designers Andrew Johnson and Oscar Cotran, and Steven Edis, who provides the additional music, arrangements and orchestrations.
FRANZ & MARIE runs at Charing Cross Theatre from 28 September to 14 November 2026, with a press performance on Monday 5 October.
Congratulations to Teresa and the entire creative team on bringing this striking new adaptation to the London stage.