Musical "Franz&Marie" Based on "Woyzeck" to Premiere in London This September

Premiered in Korea in 2014 as "Woyzeck"
Seven-week run at Charing Cross Theatre

The musical "Franz&Marie," based on the unfinished play "Woyzeck" by German writer Georg Büchner, will open at London's Charing Cross Theatre on September 28, according to production company ACOM on August 26, 2026. "Franz&Marie" is scheduled to run for about seven weeks until November 14.

"Franz&Marie" is a production that ACOM has been developing for over 20 years, with the goal of staging it internationally since its conceptual phase.

Since 2005, ACOM has collaborated with British creatives to develop the work, holding workshops and evolving the piece over eight years. The musical was first premiered in Korea in 2014 under its original title, "Woyzeck." Rather than working with a typical musical composer, ACOM invited British underground cult band The Singing Loins to join the creative team, establishing a distinct musical tone unlike other musicals.

Roughly ten years after its Korean premiere, the production has been retitled "Franz&Marie" and restructured for its overseas debut.

The original "Woyzeck" was inspired by a real-life murder case and tells the story of a poor, low-ranking soldier, addressing themes of social class, poverty, alienation, and oppression. It is regarded as one of the works that heralded the advent of modern theater.

ACOM stated that the musical expands on the original's questioning of human nature. In particular, the ensemble comprises 14 performers who are both actors and musicians, playing instruments live on stage and delivering acting and singing at the same time in an 'Actor-Musician' format, thereby integrating music and drama.

ACOM has produced musicals including "The Last Empress" and "Hero." Earlier this year, its new musical "Dreaming Peach Blossom Land" earned the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Musical.

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