17 October – 15 November

The Last Five Years explores the rollercoaster journey of two New Yorkers as they navigate their five-year marriage asking the question, “Can this couple that were once bonded by a shared love of creativity remain united as their lives move in different directions?”

Jamie’s side of the story starts at the beginning, filled with the fizz of new romance and continues chronologically, while Cathy’s retelling begins at the end, reflecting a much sadder reality and moving backwards. Indicative of the turbulent reality of love on the rocks, The Last Five Years is a beautiful and truly impactful musical that will be on your mind long after the final curtain.

Martha Kirby will play Cathy, while Guy Woolf will play Jamie. Director Hal Chambers said : “I’ve wanted to direct The Last Five Years for over 20 years. Though my background lies in classical adaptations and new writing, this is the one musical I’ve always dreamed of staging. I’m a passionate admirer of Jason Robert Brown’s extraordinary work – its storytelling, music, and emotional depth are unmatched.

“The narrative structure, with Cathy moving backwards through time and Jamie forwards, creates a compelling theatrical puzzle reminiscent of a Christopher Nolan film. It feels like a haunting memory play – dreamlike, poetic, and full of magical realism. Our production will lean into that, using bold imagery and movement to explore the ghosts of a relationship and the raw beauty of love and heartbreak. The music is breath-taking – joyful, witty, devastating – and I can’t wait to bring it to life with our cast. Performed in intimate venues, our vision promises a deeply personal and emotionally resonant Last Five Years that captures the show’s unique intimacy and power.”

The creative team includes set and costume designer Ethan Cheek, lighting designer Jonathan Chan, sound designer Matthew Giles, choreographer and movement director Georgina Lamb and music director Ellie Verkerk, with casting by Harry Blumenau.

RUNNING TIME

90 mins, no interval

The Barn Theatre, 5 Beeches Road, GL 7 1BN, Box Office 01285 648255