Sean Hayes: Good Night, Oscar play

Watch Sean Hayes’ heartwarming portrayal of American pianist and comedian Oscar Levant in the Broadway smash hit Good Night, Oscar. Coming to London’s Barbican Theatre this summer for a special seven-week run.   

This touching comedy-drama play reimagines Oscar Levant’s appearance on a late-night talk-show, where he gripped the US nation while speaking candidly about his mental health struggles and the reality behind fame.

What is the Good Night, Oscar play at the Barbican Theatre about?  

Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Sean Hayes (Will & Grace) brings this critically acclaimed Broadway show to London’s theatre for a limited seven-week run at the Barbican Theatre. Good Night, Oscar transports guests back to 1958, following the real-life story of American pianist and comedian Oscar Levant.  

Jack Paar hosts the top late-night talk-show on television. His guest of the night? The talented pianist and comedian Oscar Levant. As the spotlights turn on and the cameras get rolling, Oscar Levant takes centre stage, captivating Paar’s audience with his witty one-liners and free-spirited attitude.

But wildcard Levant is quick to reveal the reality of what lies behind showmanship, talking candidly about his mental health struggles and revealing how fine the line between fame and fragility really is. Expect rapid-fire humour and breathtaking live musical moments. 

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright originally brought this comedy-drama play to stage at the Belasco Theatre in New York City in 2023, where it received widespread critical acclaim, including Sean Hayes being awarded the prestigious Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play in 2023. 

Who is in the cast of Good Night, Oscar?  

The same team behind the Broadway production brings the show to life in London. Two-time OBIE award-winning director Lisa Peterson (An Iliad) partners with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright (I Am My Own Wife, Grey Gardens).  

Sean Hayes continues in the lead role. The rest of the cast is yet to be announced, check back nearer the opening show for more information. 

How to book tickets for Good Night, Oscar at the Barbican Theatre? 

Book tickets for Good Night, Oscar at the Barbican Theatre with Visit London via the booking button on this page. When booking, you can select your seats of choice and find ticket prices until the show ends in September 2025. 

Good Night, Oscar tickets start from £25 per person.  

There are a handful of accessible performances such as captioned and audio-described shows. Check the venue for more information. 

When is Good Night, Oscar being shown at the Barbican Theatre? 

The hit Broadway play Good Night, Oscar is showing at the Barbican Theatre from 31 July until 21 September 2025 in a limited seven-week run. 

Performances start at 7pm Tuesday to Saturday and 3pm on Sundays. Matinees are shown at 2.30pm on Thursday and Saturday. 

How long is Good Night, Oscar? 

The running time of the show is one hour and 40 minutes with no interval.

Where is Good Night, Oscar playing? 

The Barbican Theatre is located inside the main Barbican building on Silk Street (EC2Y 8DS). Head to the ground floor and follow directions to the theatre. 

How to get there:  

• Underground – The nearest Tube station is Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines), which is just a four-minute walk from the venue. Other nearby Tube stations include Moorgate (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, and Northern lines), Farringdon (Elizabeth, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines) and St Paul’s (Central line).  
  
• Bus – The following buses stop nearby: 4, 21, 43, 56, 76,100, 141, 153. 
  
• Cycle – Hire a Santander Cycles bike and ride to the Barbican. Docking stations can be found at the Barbican Centre, as well as on Fore Street, Bunhill Row, Aldersgate Street and West Smithfield.

Is there an age restriction for the play Good Night, Oscar?  

The Good Night, Oscar play is recommended for anyone aged 12 and over. It’s worth noting that this production contains adult topics including scenes of mental health conditions, strong language and prescribed drug use.

What other shows can I see in London?  

Watch more legendary Broadway shows that have come to the West End. Experience the glitz and glamour of Paris’s most famous nightclub with Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Piccadilly Theatre. Or follow the spellbinding journey of Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked the Musical at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.