Girl from the North Country
Girl from the North Country
Written and directed by Conor McPherson. Music and lyrics by Bob Dylan
The critically acclaimed, double Olivier Award-winning Old Vic production returns to London for a limited West End season. Playing at the Gielgud Theatre for 8 weeks only from 10th December 2019.
"Bob Dylan's songs have never sounded so heartbreakingly personal & universal. As close as mortals come to heaven on Earth." - Ben Brantley, The New York Times
1934. A time-weathered guesthouse in the heartland of America. Only a song can shake off the dust for one group of wayward souls-and old dreams may hold the promise of new beginnings. As they pass in and out of each other's lives, their stories awaken with passion, fury and extraordinary beauty.
Reimagining the music of Bob Dylan as roof-raising ensemble pieces and soul-stirring solos, celebrated playwright Conor McPherson (The Weir, The Seafarer) writes and directs this heartbreaking and universal story about family and love. Hailed by the Observer as the 'NO.1 THEATRE SHOW OF THE YEAR' audiences now have the chance once again to experience this 'magnificent' (Standard), 'astonishing' (Guardian) and 'piercingly beautiful' (Independent) production brought vividly to life by an extraordinary company of actors and musicians.
★★★★★
"A show that transports the soul. Incredible"
Times
- Cast
Full confirmed UK cast: Daniel Bailey (Ensemble), Colin Bates (Gene Laine), Katie Brayben (Elizabeth Laine), Anna Jane Casey (Mrs Burke), Nicholle Cherrie (Ensemble), David Ganly (Mr Burke), Simon Gordon (Ensemble), Steffan Harri (Elias Burke), David Haydn (Ensemble), Rachel John (Mrs Neilsen), Sidney Kean (Mr Perry), Finbar Lynch (Reverend Marlow), Donald Sage Mackay (Nick Laine), Gloria Obianyo (Marianne), Ferdy Roberts (Dr Walker) Wendy Somerville (Ensemble), Gemma Sutton (Katherine Draper) and Shaq Taylor (Joe Scott) and Alan Vicary (Ensemble).
Additional Details & FAQ
- Access Information
For Accessibility information please contact 0344 482 5137
- Cancellation Policy
No refunds or exchanges available after purchase.
- Where Do I Go
Shaftesbury Avenue
Soho
London
W1D 6AR
Reviews
Jsn & Bryan Wotley
Feb 2, 2020
Girl from the North Country was Theatre at its' finest. Brilliant acting, superb singing of Bob Dylan's songs. It was moving, atmospheric, and a million miles from the Musicals usually presented. A great show and I'm so glad my husband and I made the effort to see it.
April
Feb 2, 2020
A wonderful show and done Dylan’s lyrics proud
Caroline silvester
Feb 2, 2020
Absolutely brilliant. All of the cast were excellent and the singing was breathtaking. The songs and the story were perfectly intertwined.
Lynn
Feb 2, 2020
The singing quality and choreography were absolutely wonderful . Memorable .
Anne
Feb 1, 2020
One of the best shows I have seen. All the singers were spectacular and the play was very moving. Glad we made the effort to go and see it. Bring a big Bob Dylan fan it was great to hear many of his not so well known songs.
Primrose Lee
Feb 1, 2020
Really enjoyed the singing, dancing and being inside an amazing theatre. Have never visited before.
John o connor.
Feb 1, 2020
Thought the cast were outstanding. Musical direction sublime and so inventive. Best night at the theatre in many many years. Everybody involved take a bow.
Neeks
Feb 1, 2020
Had high hopes for this one. The singing was great but the lack of storyline especially in the first half meant we left at half time! Can’t speak for the second half maybe it got better!
Lee Knight
Jan 31, 2020
Excellent show.
Matt K
Jan 31, 2020
Absolutely breathtaking, left with a tear in my eye. The use of music doesn't always progress the story as in a traditional musical but it was always used in a powerful and meaningful way.
Skillz
Jan 31, 2020
Five Star
Mackerel Haulage
Jan 31, 2020
The music is truly fantastic, I should say that first, but I think perhaps I may have spoiled musical theatre for myself by seeing Hamilton! Given the reviews, which were comparable to Hamilton, I had very high hopes for GftNC. However the story doesn't have anywhere near a strong enough narrative. So much of it was unclear, however in the spirit of not leaving spoilers, I won't elaborate. Disappointing is probably my overall feeling.
Heather Oxley
Jan 31, 2020
Seen it 4 times now and would love to see it again took 2friends this time and they loved it !
Karen
Jan 30, 2020
Brilliant show you could have heard a pin drop really enjoyed the experience
D W (London)
Jan 29, 2020
I’d been told this play was good , but it was excellent. The acting and singing was faultless. There was no weak link whatsoever. I loved it so much, I’m going back for a second time!!
Sue summers
Jan 29, 2020
This was marvellous gritty story telling with the writing of Dylan. Very talented actors/musicians/singers. I spent a great night at good theatre. Some of the singers were excellent. Late booking done so easily. I’m so glad I chose the experience
Lindsey
Jan 28, 2020
Great show. Loved the interpretations of the Dylan songs. Emotional. Worthwhile.
Tara
Jan 26, 2020
A wonderful production with an wonderful singers, musicians. If you love Dylan's song this is a must. We saw the original at the Old Vic and this version did not disappoint.
Dave Marshall
Jan 26, 2020
I took my two daughters and their partners as an Xmas present and we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The use of songs from Dylan’s extensive catalogue brought the story of 1930s poverty to life. The cast was awesome both in acting terms and in their powerful renditions of classic Dylan songs. I would, without hesitation, watch the show again. Thank you to all involved.
Sarah
Jan 26, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable show. Believable characters and fabulous music.
Sue
Jan 25, 2020
It was an incredible show. The singing was sublime.
Barry Stagg
Jan 24, 2020
This was the second time we have seen the musical. I have always loved and followed Bob Dylan. So what made it so good was that both well known and not so well known songs were woven together to help tell the story. The musical set in the 1930's perfectly suited both the music and the telling of the story. Different characters speared and interacted, inhabiting characters from Dylan's songs. Masterful reworking of some songs like 'I want you', slowed right down sang as a yearning ballad between two people unable to act on their feelings for each other. Another spine tingling moment among many is when the character with dementia Elizabeth sings the refrain "how does it feel, to be all alone", from Like a rolling stone. The singing, the acting and general story telling was of the highest quality. I cannot recommend this musical enough.
somerset
Jan 24, 2020
Very dark and depressing story. I would describe it as a play with music rather than a musical, it really wasn't what I was expecting.Difficult initially to understand what was going on, it seemed to be a madhouse and in fact later self identified as a madhouse. Am told the reason for Elizabeth's behaviour came in her song at the end but by then I wasn't really listening. The singing was very good but I could only identify a couple of Dylan's songs, they were so messed about.
Richard O'D
Jan 24, 2020
Superb music, singing and stagecraft. Fascinating and enigmatic plot line. What's not to like.
Jane Pittson
Jan 24, 2020
No coherence to story. Poorly drawn characters. Worst of all, the singers did not annunciate the lyrics, such an important feature of Dylan songs, and some of them just screamed.
Jan
Jan 23, 2020
Excellent, loved the performance, the music, the singing, the staging the content, the whole thing. Would thoroughly recommend, completely engaging. Thanks to a wonderful cast, musicians and everyone involved in great production
Winona D’Albert
Jan 23, 2020
We really enjoyed the show the music great
Beverley
Jan 22, 2020
The most amazing show, totally different. The song choice was brilliant and the singing exceptional. Highly recommended
Allison
Jan 22, 2020
I have always been a great admirer of Dylan's work - both his words and his songs, which formed the sound track to much of my formation as an adult human being. It was, therefore with some trepidation that I ventured to see a show which 'interpreted' his work as a different entity since I really don't like people 'messing about' with my favourite tunes. But this was fabulous - the book, the direction, the staging, lighting and arrangements and especialy the perfomances added even greater depth to these treasures. The voices and dancing were amazing. Hightly recommended
Marie
Jan 22, 2020
The cast was very good, the singing and dancing original and varied and the rendering of Dylan's songs totally blended into the play. I enjoyed it, but wouldn't rate it as exceptional.
D Meyer
Jan 21, 2020
Gritty, engrossing and a thoughtful evening.
Jamie
Jan 20, 2020
Show cancelled and no chance of replacement tickets due to short run
Teresa
Jan 19, 2020
Play cancelled 20 minutes before performance leaving me with no time to book anything else
giant@talktalk.net
Jan 19, 2020
Never before in my seventy-=five years of theatre-going has a performance been cancelled owing to the illness of actors. A shame, as this production has a good reputation.
Michelle Dench
Jan 19, 2020
What an amazing interpretation of Dylan's fantastic lyrics. And wow, what a brilliant and eclectic array of singers, each actor having a totally different sound but blending so well in the choruses. Absolutely loved this. Thank you
Abi C
Jan 19, 2020
Incredibly disappointed to arrive at the theatre on a Saturday evening after a long journey to London to be told at 19:10 that the performance had been cancelled. We understand that these things cannot be helped, however would have very much appreciated even a few hours of notice to make it possible to buy alternative theatre tickets. Overall, very poor customer service.
Vince Ion
Jan 18, 2020
I saw the original production at The Old Vic and loved it. I dont usually seen the same production twice as that can be a mistake for me, however when I saw this had transferred to the West End I decided to risk it. The play itself stands up on it's own, of a harrowing portrayal of the 1930's depression in rural USA.The brilliant weaving of many Dylan songs fantastically interrupted by all the cast makes this piece of drama captivating, even the 2nd time around. I loved it over again😊💙👍
Vince Ion
Jan 18, 2020
I saw the original production at The Old Vic and loved it. I dont usually seen the same production twice as that can be a mistake for me, however when I saw this had transferred to the West End I decided to risk it. The play itself stands up on it's own, of a harrowing portrayal of the 1930's depression in rural USA.The brilliant weaving of many Dylan songs fantastically interrupted by all the cast makes this piece of drama captivating, even the 2nd time around. I loved it over again😊💙👍
Sandra
Jan 18, 2020
Disappointed, I love Bob Dylan’s music, but only a couple of numbers did him justice. Storyline depressing. Several really good singers though, notably the girl who played the Laine daughter.
Roger Scrivens
Jan 18, 2020
We saw this show over a year ago and were delighted to be able to attend a revised production. It is a heck of a story told by a clutch of brilliant actors with wonderful singing voices. It is a somewhat painful watch at times but any show that combines humour with sadness has got things going for it. We'd very happily attend again. Congratulations to all involved.
Linda.
Jan 18, 2020
Loved every second, could have come and watched it again that evening. Actors and musicians were amazing. The lyrics were woven into the script not the other way round. The subject matter was compelling, and reflected Dylan’s roots.
Mary Daniels
Jan 17, 2020
Incredibly moving show with phenomenal performances from all the cast. Was my second time seeing it and I’d go again in a heartbeat. The onstage musicians are also wonderful.
Paul Harvey
Jan 17, 2020
I was a Bob Dylan addict and went with my partner who was not. We both thoroughly enjoyed the performance. The music was good and the singing really first rate (my partner used the word “amazing”, which I’d go with). We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would recommend.
Cia
Jan 14, 2020
Great show. Stunning voices. The songs weren’t shoehorned into a story as many of these musicals are. Great story and great songs sitting side by side. Loved it
Lizzi
Jan 14, 2020
It is probably one of the worst shows I have ever been to.I thought the story lines were too flimsy.The constant moving of the furniture was so unnecessary. The singing was good but did not do justice to our wonderful Bob.My local am.dram.society could have put on a better show.
SW.
Jan 12, 2020
My husband and I thought the show was overall disappointing. It seemed tired, the actors seemed tired and some dialogue/songs were shouty and screechy.. We felt no sympathy/nor any connection with any of the characters. We felt it must have been better at the beginning of the run.
Rob Jackson
Jan 12, 2020
Great show. As a Dylan fan, it was great to hear different slants to his songs. The girl who played Elizabeth was a superb singer. Slightly disappointed they didn’t actually sing “Girl From The North Country” although it was on the song list in the programme. The Waterboys cover of said song is one of my favourite tracks and was the reason I was drawn to going to see the show in the first place. Other than that, it was superb
Elsie
Jan 11, 2020
Katie Brayben brilliant as Elizabeth. Thought provoking, deep and beautiful. Lyrics used for storytelling and not the familiar tunes but beautifully sung and performed with great musicians. I would go again!
Adrian Herbert
Jan 10, 2020
Wonderful musical - the songs and drama worked together exceptionally well - really enjoyable.
Pip and Mollie Banham
Jan 10, 2020
We saw the production on its first run 2 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it then and hoped this would be as good, we need not worried as this show was even better. Katie Brayben's performance was so convincing other cast members must have wondered if she was really acting ! I thought the speed in moving from song to dance to dialogue to scene change was perfectly choreographed. Singing and dancing was exciting and excellent , Conor Mcpherson' script and Bob Dylans songs remain Forever Young. If you haven't seen it yet book now you won't regret it.