A modern classic returns to the stage where big questions feel right at home. Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has announced full casting for a new production of Lucy Kirkwood’s The Children, directed by the Lyric’s Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan — and it arrives to mark the play’s 10th anniversary, running from 2 September to 3 October 2026.
Leading the company is the Olivier Award-nominated Meera Syal (A Tupperware of Ashes, Noises Off) as Hazel, previously announced and now joined by Declan Conlon (Faith Healer, The Playboy of the Western World) as Robin and Kerry Fox (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Shallow Grave) as Rose. For Syal and Conlon it’s a return to the Lyric; Fox makes her debut at the theatre.
A quiet apocalypse, and a knock at the door
Hazel and Robin have survived a catastrophe. Living on the edge of a radiation exclusion zone, Hazel still practises her yoga and Robin is brewing parsnip wine — two retired nuclear engineers clinging to the rituals of normality. Then their old friend Rose knocks on the door, bringing with her old memories, buried secrets, and a proposition: one that tests their loyalty and forces them to confront the limits of their debt to the next generation.
First seen at the Royal Court in 2016 before transferring to Broadway, Kirkwood’s taut three-hander has become one of the most admired plays of its era — a domestic drama with the weight of the planet behind it, asking what one generation owes the one that follows. A decade on, its questions about responsibility, ageing and the world we leave behind feel sharper than ever.
“I’m very excited to announce the full cast for our 10th anniversary production of The Children by Lucy Kirkwood. We’re thrilled to have both Meera Syal and Declan Conlon returning to the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre as well as welcoming the amazing Kerry Fox for the first time. I cannot wait for audiences to experience this modern classic and to work with such an incredible company of artists.”
Rachel O’Riordan, Director and Artistic Director of the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
The creative team includes set and costume design by Gary McCann, lighting by Anna Watson, sound by Holly Khan and casting by Anna Cooper CDG. The production has been made possible by the generous support of Mark & Sarah Crosbie.
The run also includes a full slate of accessible performances: a BSL-interpreted performance on 22 September, a Chilled performance on 23 September, an Audio Described performance (with Touch Tour) on 24 September, and an Open Captioned performance on 30 September.
The Essentials
- Production: The Children by Lucy Kirkwood
- Directed by: Rachel O’Riordan
- Cast: Meera Syal (Hazel), Declan Conlon (Robin), Kerry Fox (Rose)
- Where: Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0QL
- When: 2 September – 3 October 2026 (press night 10 September)
- Access performances: BSL 22 Sep · Chilled 23 Sep · Audio Described 24 Sep (Touch Tour 6pm) · Open Captioned 30 Sep
- Tickets: from £10 (£15 schools rate; £5 Young Lyric members)
- Booking: lyric.co.uk · 020 8741 6850
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