S Poddar
After a 17-year hiatus, Ewan McGregor is set to make his highly anticipated return to the London stage in My Master Builder, a new play by American playwright and screenwriter Lila Raicek. The production will debut at Wyndham’s Theatre on April 29, 2025, with previews beginning on April 17.
Directed by Michael Grandage, the play is inspired by the works of Henrik Ibsen and weaves a modern narrative set in the Hamptons. The story revolves around Elena Solness, a publishing magnate, who is planning a great celebration for her husband, Henry, a famous architect. But the arrival of Mathilde, one of Henry’s former protégés, sets the stage for a tense unraveling of secrets, betrayals, and vulnerabilities within their seemingly perfect lives.
This is the third production that McGregor and Grandage have collaborated on, following Othello and Guys and Dolls, for which Grandage was Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse between 2002 and 2012. Their creative partnership has been widely celebrated, and this promises to be a new and compelling theatrical experience.
McGregor, who appeared in such films as Trainspotting, Moulin Rouge, and the Star Wars series, expressed his enthusiasm over the play. “It’s a thrill to be returning to the stage – and to work with Michael again, an actor’s director with whom I have had some of my happiest working experiences. He’s a generous collaborator, who enables you to discover the play together afresh in the rehearsal room.”. And what a play – I love where Lila has taken the story, a very modern take on today’s sexual politics,” he said. Grandage echoed McGregor’s enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of premiering new writing in London’s West End.
“It’s always a privilege to open a new play in the West End and to bring emerging and original voices to as wide an audience as possible.”. I am thrilled to team up with playwright Lila Raicek, producing My Master Builder in London this spring. The production is also a happy reunion with Ewan McGregor-an extraordinary stage actor, working together for the first time on a world premiere, in a brand-new partnership for MGC with MarketStall and Seaview.” The creative team for My Master Builder includes Richard Kent, who will take care of set and costume design, and Adam Cork, responsible for the play’s composition and sound design. Further cast and crew announcements are expected soon, adding more excitement to this exciting production.
This return to the stage is a full-circle moment for McGregor, whose theater roots are as distinguished as his film career. Fans and theatergoers alike can look forward to a fresh and provocative exploration of contemporary themes, brought to life by an exceptional cast and creative team.
