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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Laura Harding

Thelma & Louise musical set for world premiere at London theatre

The iconic road trip drama Thelma & Louise is set to make its world premiere as a stage musical at London’s Young Vic theatre later this year.

Callie Khouri, who penned the original 1991 film starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, has written the new musical adaptation.

The acclaimed movie, directed by Ridley Scott, followed two best friends on the run after a fatal encounter with a stranger at a roadside bar.

Grammy-nominated artist Neko Case is behind the music and lyrics for the production, which will feature Rachel Tucker and Amy Lennox in the titular roles.

Trip Cullman is slated to direct the highly anticipated show.

Producers Sonia Friedman and Imogen Brodie said Thelma & Louise was a “cultural phenomenon and an instant classic” from the moment it premiered in 1991.

“Callie Khouri’s groundbreaking, funny, deeply moving and empowering film sparked a vital and urgent conversation around violence against women and girls, and women’s autonomy in the face of systemic injustice,” they said.

“Astonishingly, nearly 35 years later, we find ourselves in a world where female, indeed all, human rights are under serious threat, making this story feel not only relevant but necessary. At its heart, it speaks to freedom, solidarity, friendship and the ongoing fight for equality – all of which continue to resonate today.

“In bringing this story to the stage, we are reimagining it theatrically and musically, so it feels wholly born for the live experience – immediate, visceral and a rollercoaster of a night out.

“Together with our exceptional creative team – Callie, Neko and Trip –  and our brilliant co-producers Blue Spruce Productions, Ley Line Entertainment, Callie, Mandy Greenfield and MGM On Stage, we are thrilled that Thelma & Louise: A New Musical will begin its journey at the Young Vic.”

Thelma and Louise at the film’s iconic climax (MGM)

Khouri said: “I’m thrilled to be collaborating with the Young Vic, Sonia Friedman Productions, Scott Delman, Ley Line Entertainment and Mandy Greenfield in this newly reimagined story of Thelma & Louise.

“It’s still a wild and emotional ride made even better by the contribution of the enormous talents of Neko Case, Trip Cullman and our amazing creative team. I can’t wait for audiences to experience this timely retelling.”

Thelma & Louise will open the 2026/27 season at the Young Vic and run from 3 September to 24 October, with press night on 16 September.

The season will also include the premiere of the English language adaptation of Eurotrash, which will reunite Black Doves stars Ben Whishaw and Kathryn Hunter as a mother and son who embark on a road trip through the Swiss Alps to give away their vast family fortune in an attempt to escape the shadows of their past.

The show will run from 13 November to 9 January.

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