Following its hugely successful premiere at Bristol Old Vic, the critically acclaimed new musical The Grinning Man has transferred to the West End and “demands to be seen” (The Times).

From Tony Award-winning director Tom Morris (War Horse), Kneehigh writer Carl Grose and featuring “an outstanding score” (Sunday Times) by Tim Phillips and Marc Teitler, The Grinning Man is a magical reimagining of the classic novel by Victor Hugo (Les Misérables).


What Is The Grinning Man About?

A strange new act has arrived at the fairground. Who is Grinpayne and how did he get his hideous smile? Paraded as a freak, then celebrated as a star, only the love of a sightless girl can reveal his terrible secret.

Set in a fantastical world created by designer Jon Bausor (Bat Out of Hell), and brought to life with the “astonishing puppetry” (What’s on Stage) of Gyre & Gimble, the original War Horse puppeteers, The Grinning Man invites you to be seduced by the darkness at the Trafalgar Studios.

Additional Details & FAQ

Cancellation Policy

No exchanges or refunds after purchase.

How Does It Work

You will receive a voucher after purchase. Please print and present on arrival.

Suitable For Children

Age Restriction: Recommended for brave 12 year olds and above. Some scenes contain sexual references and swearing.

Where Do I Go

Trafalgar Studios

14 Whitehall

London

SW1A 2DY

Closest Tube: Charing Cross and Embankment (Northern and Bakerloo)

Critic Reviews

4.0(3 reviews)
  • The Times

    Jan 29, 2018

    A stunning new musical with puppetry from the director of War Horse, this is a deliciously convoluted tale of the search for truth

  • LondonTheatre

    Jan 29, 2018

    "While Louis Maskell’s face is covered for most of the performance, he’s still able to deliver a monstrously emotive performance"

  • What's On Stage

    Jan 29, 2018

    "It is a remarkable, entrancing achievement and a treat for anyone who likes their storytelling with plenty of dark magic thrown in.

Reviews

4.5(50 reviews)
  • Eugenia

    May 14, 2018

    A touching and vibrant plot combined with an amazing cast, great scenery and incredible puppetry. Terribly beautiful.

  • meg atherton

    May 6, 2018

    fantastic!! Loved every minute and so did the audience giving standing ovations. could be classed as a light classical musical in my opinion. the comedy and tragedy of the storyline were brilliantly played would thoroughly recommend seeing this show to anyone margaret

  • Monique

    May 6, 2018

    So sad this show is over... Fantastic cast and crew, writers and musicians. It has so many contrasting/opposing themes that work so well together? The community around this show is so unique and I have loved every minute of it's run since December.

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