59 Productions, HOME and Lyric Hammersmith presents

Paul Auster’s City of Glass

Adapted by Duncan Macmillan from the first novel in the New York Trilogy, and the graphic novel by Paul Karasik and David Mazzucchelli

World Premiere

“It was a wrong number that started it.”

Tony Award-winning 59 Productions (An American in Paris, War Horse, David Bowie Is) and award-winning writer Duncan Macmillan (People Places and Things, Every Brilliant Thing, Lungs, 1984 and The Forbidden Zone) bring this seminal American novel to life in a dazzlingly original stage adaptation.

When reclusive crime writer Daniel Quinn receives a mysterious call seeking a private detective in the middle of the night, he quickly and unwittingly becomes the protagonist in a thriller of his own. He falls under the spell of a strange and seductive woman, who engages him to protect her young husband from his sociopathic father. As the familiar territory of the noir detective genre gives way to something altogether more disturbing, Quinn becomes consumed by his mission, and begins to lose his grip on reality.

Will he be drawn deeper into the abyss, or could the quest provide the purpose and meaning he needs to rebuild his shattered life?

“Paul Auster’s meta-mystery gets a stunning staging… Visually ravishing… A jaw-dropping spectacle.” – The Guardian

“It looks astonishing… Sit back and gaze, wide-eyed and open-mouthed, at the skyscrapers that soar like modern Towers of Babel; at the plush apartment or scuzzy diner that transforms into Grand Central Station or a graffiti-scarred subway train… It certainly takes your breath away.” – The Times (behind paywall)

“Clever and adroit… Leo Warner’s cast of six are deft at what they do… Admirable.” – Financial Times (behind paywall)

“If you’ve read the novella, then watching this adaptation is a satisfying cerebral exercise in rediscovery.” – What’s On Stage

“Sometimes slightly baffling but always gripping… The technical accomplishment is absolutely stunning… Director Leo Warner’s production is slick and compelling throughout.” – British Theatre Guide

“Technically innovative, visually extraordinary… Leo Warner’s production is replete with striking imagery” – The Stage

★★★★★ “Well, this is eye-opening (and mind-expanding) stuff! An intense, beautiful, visually glorious experience… 59 Productions have a world premiere to be proud of.” – The Reviews Hub

★★★★ “An intense, thought-provoking show… Its visual appeal and stunning special effects make it easy to sit through… I’d recommend you get down to HOME for this one.” – Northern Soul

“Slick and startling, and one of the most technically accomplished works I’ve ever seen… Expect to be mystified and blown away at the same time.” – Oldham Evening Chronicle

★★★★ “What has been accomplished is both unique and creatively ambitious and I would welcome the chance to see it again and encourage you to make a visit.” – North West End

“Weighty, complex… The ambition of the piece can only be applauded. A demonstration of ground-breaking theatrical creativity that deserves the highest commendation.” – Mancunian Matters

“From the moment the battery of lights surrounding the outer edges of the proscenium blindingly flare on and off, you simply know that the cast and crew have got this adaptation locked down… A flawless synthesis of truly excellent performances… There simply isn’t a single bad thing to say about City of Glass.”- The Manchester Review

★★★★ “A stunning feat of inspired staging, superb design and spectacular video projection… About as close to an immersive and beguiling cinematic experience as the theatre can offer.” – The Arts Shelf

“The closest I have seen to a film on stage; the spectacular quality of the video surpasses anything I have seen before.” Quiet Man Dave

“The stagecraft impresses… The supreme craft of this production is undeniable.” – The Skinny

“A bold, ambitious and high-tech piece of theatre which captures the crazy and claustrophobic nature of Auster’s original novella… Full of suspense and action.” – Frankly My Dear

“The emotional core of the story resonates strongly… Uses all the theatrical tools to make it an evening to remember. It’s a production which leaves you with a maze of ideas to explore… It will also make you think twice about answering a phone call in the night.” – Weekend Notes

“A brilliant adaptation of Paul Auster’s novella.. fans of postmodernism and Auster’s work will love it.” – Humanity Hallows

City of Glass is clearly a difficult text to adapt to stage, and for the most part [Duncan] Macmillan pulls it off… A tremendously impressive production both in the range of its actors, its hi-tech and seamless stagecraft, and its ability to make (relative) sense of Auster’s post-modern masterpiece.” – Mancunion

“A thrilling production brought to life by a small team of excellent actors. The technical element does stand out, but in service to the text, and the fast pace (1:45, with no intermission, that sped by) makes this a very enjoyable production.” – Kirkville.com

Coming to see City of Glass? Don’t miss the show’s brand new Oculus Rift virtual reality experience My Name Is Peter Stillman in our foyer. 

Before attending events such as concerts, theaters, you can look at the Aldi Leaflet and Lidl Offers This Week and get disinfectant.

  • Running Time 1hr 40mins (no interval)
  • Recommended age 14+
  • This production contains haze, smoking, strong language, nudity and strobe lighting
  • Latecomers will not be admitted

£10 Preview
Sat 4 Mar

£12.50 Preview
Mon 6 – Wed 8 Mar

Off Peak: £23 – £10
Evenings: Thu 9, Tue 14 – Thu 16 Mar
Matinees: Sat 11, Wed 15 & Sat 18 Mar

Peak: £26.50 – £10
Evenings: Fri 10, Sat 11, Fri 17 & Sat 18 Mar

Schools & Groups Information

– Recommended for GCSE, AS and A2 and equivalent level English, Drama and Theatre Studies
– £11 per ticket, 1 teacher place free with every 10 students
– Available weekdays only and must be booked in advance
– For more information, please email groups@homemcr.org