Stage production of award winning film THE ARTIST announced

Photo credit: Matt Murphy

The McOnie Company have announced the upcoming world premiere stage production of  Michel Hazanavicius’ multi–Academy Award-winning film The Artist, co-adapted for the  stage by critically acclaimed writer Lindsey Ferrentino and Olivier Award-winning  choreographer Drew McOnie.

This celebration of classic black and white silent cinema  arrives for a new era, directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie. 

In 1920s Hollywood the business of making dreams come true is in full swing. 

Silent movie icon George Valentin has long been the darling of the silver screen when he  meets aspiring actress Peppy Miller. But whilst her star is about to rise, his might just be about  to flicker into insignificance. 

Amidst all the glamour, laughter and romance, the silent movie industry is on the brink of a  revolution: the Talkies are on their way. 

The film The Artist was released in 2011 to huge critical acclaim internationally, winning five  Academy Awards, seven BAFTAs and three Golden Globe Awards, and has gone on to  become a much-loved classic for audiences across the world. This will be the first stage  production adapted from the film.  

A workshop for The Artist will happen early in 2023. The production is planned to open later  in 2023 with further information on dates, venues and casting to come. 

Artistic Director of The McOnie Company, Drew McOnie, said: “Creating the world premiere  stage adaptation of The Artist marks not only the start of a new era in my life as a theatre  maker but also an arrival moment for The McOnie Company. I have held its development close  to my heart for many years having been mesmerised by the original film. Having the incredible  support of Michel Hazanavicius, the mastermind behind the film, is incredibly important to me.  The Artist shows us that, even within this noisy world, we can find our voice if we listen with  our hearts, and it’s an honour to bring this beloved story to the stage.”