The Tin Drum

Highlights

  • Witness this theatre of the book by the Nobel Prize-winning novelist, Gunter Grass.

The Coronet Theatre brings The Tin Drum to London

The Tin Drum is a 1959 German novel and the first of the Danziger Trilogie (Danzig Trilogy) by the Nobel Prize-winning novelist, Gunter Grass. In 1979, it was made into a movie, which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and the Palme d’Or Award. Inspired by his book, the story is imagined for the theatre, and the production is directed by Oliver Reese.

The Coronet Theatre is bringing The Tin Drum to London. It is originally a Berliner’s Ensemble production, and the Ensemble is returning to the United Kingdom after their last appearance in 2006 to offer you a limited-time 5 performances only. So, book your tickets at the earliest to see the world from a completely different perspective. In his novel, Gunter tried to highlight the disorder and demolition of the 20th-century caused by the totalitarian regimes. Celebrated German author and director Oliver Reese contains every single element that the original masterpiece had in a more touching presentation.

The cast and creatives of The Tin Drum

The Tin Drum is a unique stage setup because it only features a solo performance by actor Nico Holonics. Since 2017, he has been a part of the Berliner Ensemble, and apart from stage performances, he is a regular audiobook reader and also works in radio. However, it does not end here; Nico is a freelance lecturer at the Mozarteum Salzburg. His hold on acting makes The Tin Drum London show something to bank on.

Working on the creative team alongside Director Oliver Reese is stage designer Daniel Wollenzin, costume designer Laura Krack, sound designer Jorg Gollasch, lighting designer Steffen Heinke and dramaturgy Sibylle Baschung.

Tin Drum London - The Tin Drum on stage in London
The Tin Drum on stage in London

The life of Oskar Matzerath

Follow the story of Oskar Matzerath and the strange life he chose for himself. Born in 1924 in Danzig, he completely rejected the world. He is as mature as an adult but vows to never physically or mentally grow beyond the age of 3 after he hears a few comments by his parents. The only thing he loves in his peculiar life is a tin drum gifted to him by his mother. He is not at all fond of the society and the politics that circles the world around him. He believes that people aren’t able to see through his childish appearance.

Oscar lives through a few of the most turbulent years in Europe, from the 1930 German poverty to the effects of the Second World War, but never giving up on his tin drum. He also discovers another ability – he can shatter glass with his extremely shrill voice. He meets another small person at a circus who tells him that he can control others before they can control him. Encouraged, Oscar turns into an expert manipulator.

The world of Oskar Matzerath gets crazier from here. If anybody can explain his weird story, it is Oskar himself. So, head over to watch the Tin Drum London show and discover the mind-boggling life of the tin drummer.

Reviews

“Disjointed. Chaotic. Haunting. The Tin Drum is a chilling tale that resonates in so many eras of society.”
– Broadway World

Additional

  • Performance Information

    Leading Role
    Nico Holonics as Oskar Matzerath

    Written By
    Gunther Grass

    Adapted and Directed By
    Oliver Reese

    Stage Design By
    Daniel Wollenzin

  • Performance Times

    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 7:30 PM

  • Getting your tickets

    You will receive your tickets via email shortly after booking. Please display them on your mobile device along with valid photo ID.

  • Theatre Information

    The Coronet theatre has a seating capacity of 195. It is wheelchair accessible, and has an in-house bar, cloakroom, and an Assistive Hearing System.

  • Cancellation Policy

    Tickets cannot be cancelled, amended or refunded.