First look: Martha Kirby and Guy Woolf in revival of The Last Five Years

First look: Martha Kirby and Guy Woolf in revival of The Last Five Years

24-09-25

Fresh production images have been released for the brand-new revival of Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years, co-produced by the Barn Theatre, Reading Rep Theatre and Theatre Royal Bath.

The intimate two-hander, directed by Hal Chambers, opens at Reading Rep Theatre from 19 September – 11 October 2025, before transferring to the Barn Theatre, Cirencester (17 October – 15 November) and then to Theatre Royal Bath’s Ustinov Studio (25 November – 3 January).

This new staging stars Martha Kirby (Evita, Bat Out of Hell, Grease) as Cathy and Guy Woolf (The Cher Show, As You Like It) as Jamie, charting the rise and fall of a five-year relationship from two strikingly different perspectives. Cathy tells her story backwards from heartbreak to first meeting, while Jamie moves forward from romance to regret.

Director Hal Chambers said:
“I’ve wanted to direct The Last Five Years for over twenty years. The narrative structure, with Cathy moving backwards through time and Jamie forwards, creates a compelling theatrical puzzle reminiscent of a Christopher Nolan film. 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.”

The creative team includes set and costume design by Ethan Cheek, lighting design by Jonathan Chan, choreography and movement by Georgina Lamb, and music direction from Ellie Verkerk. Casting direction comes from Harry Blumenau.

Jason Robert Brown’s cult-favourite musical has long been celebrated for its soaring score and innovative structure. Featuring songs such as “Still Hurting,” “The Schmuel Song,” and “Goodbye Until Tomorrow,” the piece has earned a reputation for being one of the most emotionally impactful chamber musicals of the 21st century.

This revival follows the Barn Theatre’s run of critically acclaimed “Built by Barn” productions, Reading Rep’s bold regional programming, and Theatre Royal Bath’s track record of West End transfers — making this a collaboration that promises to blend intimacy, invention and emotional punch.

The Last Five Years is a musical about love, ambition, and the spaces that open up when two people drift apart — staged in some of the UK’s most atmospheric venues for maximum intimacy.

🎟️ Tickets available now by clicking here for – Reading Rep Theatre, Barn Theatre, Cirencester and Theatre Royal Bath