Stephen Sondheim’s Final Musical Here We Are Premieres London’s National Theatre

Here We Are is the final, posthumous musical work of Stephen Sondheim, premiered Off-Broadway in 2023 and now making its UK debut at the National Theatre. The musical, co-created with playwright David Ives and director Joe Mantello, adapts two surrealist Luis Buñuel films to explore the absurdity and existential despair of a group of wealthy friends repeatedly frustrated in their attempts to dine, culminating in their surreal entrapment. The production is notable for its division into two halves: a musically rich first act featuring urbane and witty songs performed mainly in chorus, and a second act that intentionally abandons music to align with the narrative’s hallucinatory logic, emphasizing absurdist themes and existentialist tones. Critics highlight the show's blend of sharp satire, dreamlike atmosphere, and dark humor, with standout performances by Jane Krakowski and others, though some find the second act less musically engaging and more challenging. The work serves as a fitting and poignant epitaph to Sondheim’s legacy, reflecting his lifelong commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical theatre and psychological exploration. The cast has embraced the complexity and difficulty of performing Sondheim’s intricate score, contributing to the production's dynamic and often hilarious energy.