Assassins
Assassins
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
Book written by John Weidman.
Director – Stuart Simons
Musical Director – Andy Gill
Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins is a darkly satirical musical that explores the true stories and inner lives of those who attempted to assassinate American presidents.
Set in a surreal, fairground-style world, the show brings together nine historical figures from different eras, united by their shared sense of disillusionment, resentment and longing for recognition. As they interact, their motivations are revealed through sharp dialogue and Sondheim’s incisive, unsettling score, exposing the uncomfortable idea that the American Dream does not offer success to everyone. The musical examines themes of fame, failure, entitlement and the dangerous allure of notoriety, challenging the audience to confront how society creates both heroes and villains. By blending humour, horror and political commentary, Assassins becomes a provocative reflection on ambition and the price of being seen in a world that promises equality but often delivers exclusion. Bold staging and inventive storytelling make it gripping, thought-provoking and disturbingly relevant today.
