Coming to see Martin Guerre? Here are six things you need to know about this all-new stage version of the extraordinary true story of forbidden love, deceit and passion on trial.
Plays from 01–31 Oct, book now.
Time to read 1 Minute
Author The Old Vic
Published 16/07/2026
A true story, four centuries old
In 1548, a teenage French peasant named Martin Guerre vanishes, leaving his young wife and home behind. Years later he reappears, now a man — but the fallout from his return threatens to tear the village apart.
From the creators of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon
Martin Guerre is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, the team behind two of the biggest operatic musicals in history. This is their re-thought take on love, law and deception.
It’s not quite a concert, not quite a full production
This semi-staged production strips the story back to its essentials, letting the music and performances take centre stage. Expect something more intimate and immediate than a traditional fully-staged musical.
The score has been reimagined
Since its 1996 premiere, Martin Guerre has been revised and rewritten multiple times, with music added, cut and reworked. This production draws on that history but includes new songs, new lyrics and brand new folk-inflected orchestrations.
One woman’s life is torn between love and the law
Bertrande, Martin’s wife, must balance the competing forces of her relationship with Martin and her relationship with her rigid, God-fearing community. This new version places her choices at the emotional heart of the show.
It’s directed by Matthew Warchus
The creative force behind smash-hit musicals Matilda the Musical, Groundhog Day and Pride. Warchus — in his final production as Artistic Director of The Old Vic — brings his signature emotional precision and passion to this rarely-seen work.
