Your First Look
Set design videography by JWOO Social
Songs recorded at Dalston Lane Studios
Recorded at Dalston Lane Studios
Recorded at Dalston Lane Studios
Recorded at Dalston Lane Studios
Recorded at Dalston Lane Studios
“Could you build me a distant lighthouse, with you the light to guide me home?”
Originally developed in 2025 by the National Theatre, FLYBY is a captivating and heartfelt new musical fusing an exhilarating love story with the vastness of space.
When astronaut Daniel steals a spacecraft and vanishes into space, he leaves behind Emily – a fiercely intelligent documentary film maker – and their complicated past. Through flashbacks and space logs, this captivating new musical answers why he left.
Starring Poppy Gilbert (‘My Oxford Year’ (Netflix), ‘The Other Bennett Sister ‘(BBC)), Stuart Thompson (‘SAS: Rogue Heroes’ (BBC), ‘Radiant Boy’ (Southwark Playhouse Borough)), Gina Beck (‘Guys & Dolls’, ‘Wicked’), Rupert Young (‘Dear Evan Hansen’, ‘Bridgerton’ (Netflix)), and Simbi Akande (‘Hamilton’, ‘Light in the Piazza’).
This love story shifts between past and present, uncovering the tangled forces that drove Daniel to leave; Daniel and Emily’s passionate, combustible relationship; his growing psychological unravelling; and Emily’s struggle to define herself amid talent, ambition, and moral ambiguity.
FLYBY is a musical story about the magnetism of desire, the inescapable gravity between two people, and their need to feel deeply – sometimes recklessly – alive.
Written by Theo Jamieson (RSC) directed and created with Adam Lenson (‘Cable Street’), FLYBY has its world premiere at Southwark Playhouse Borough for 6 weeks only.
★★★★★ “FLYBY is stratospherically impressive. One of the best new British musicals I’ve seen in years, bold in conception and execution and dazzlingly performed. Don’t miss it!” Arts Desk
★★★★★ “Ground control to major hit! FLYBY is a bold, intergalactic exploration of human fragility and connection, powered by a cinematic score and grounded, truthful performances….Don’t miss out on seeing this epic new musical!” Curtain Call Reviews
★★★★★ “Thrillingly ambitious and complex, a marvel to behold” Lost in Theatreland
★★★★ “An extraordinary and absorbing musical” The Stage
“The songs soar and blast in this inventive tale of a toxic romance” The Guardian
“A musical breaking barriers. This is one you absolutely must see” The Standard
Access Performances
Captioned Performance: Thursday 30 April, 7pm
Details
Theatre: The Large
Monday – Saturday: 7pm
Tuesday & Saturday: 2.30pm
Running Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
No interval and no re-entry.
We strongly advise that you arrive early and take your seats in advance of the start time as there is a no latecomers policy.
Please be aware that this is a live event so the end time may vary slightly.
Technical Guidance
This production contains loud noises and flashing images. The production begins with a sudden loud bang.
Content Guidance
This production contains strong language and references to violence and mental illness. There is partial nudity, sexual references and mention of pornographic content.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Please contact us if you require any further information about content guidance.
Captioned Performance: Thursday 30 April, 7pm
your first listen
Enjoy a taste of Theo Jamieson’s (Music and Lyrics for ‘The Famous Five’ (Theatr Clwyd, Chichester Festival Theatre) and ‘U.Me’ (BBC) and Musical Director for ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ (West End), ‘Funny Girl’ (West End) and ‘Treasure Island’ and ‘Here Lies Love’ (National Theatre)) sumptuous score ahead of your visit.
The Company
Poppy Gilbert
Emily Baker
Stuart Thompson
Daniel Defoe
Rupert Young
Jonathan Jay
Gina Beck
Amy Greenwood
