Norel Productions and Adam Blanshay Productions have announced the cast for the London première of Jean-Philippe Daguerre’s “Farewell Mister Haffmann,” adapted by Jeremy Sams. Directed by Oscar Toeman, the production features Michael Fox as Pierre Vigneau, Nigel Harman as Otto Abetz, Jennifer Kirby as Isabelle Vigneau, Jemima Rooper as Suzanne Abetz, and Alex Waldmann as Joseph Haffmann. Originally titled “Adieu Monsieur Haffmann” in French and a recipient of four Molière Awards in 2018, this play had its English-language debut at the Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal Bath in 2023. The London première will open at Park200 on 10 March with previews starting from 5 March and will run until 12 April.
Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Paris in 1942, “Farewell Mister Haffmann” tells the story of Jewish jeweller Joseph Haffmann who faces imminent danger due to widespread deportations. In desperation, he entrusts his employee Pierre Vigneau with ownership of his jewellery shop in exchange for hiding him from the Nazis. However, this arrangement comes with an unusual condition: Pierre asks Joseph to enter into a specific agreement involving his wife Isabelle. This complex situation is further complicated by a Matisse painting and an art-loving Nazi officer along with his flamboyant wife.
The play explores themes of human resilience amidst moral dilemmas through dark humour and suspense during these unprecedented times. Producers Keren Misgav Ristvedt and Adam Blanshay expressed their excitement about bringing this acclaimed production to London audiences at Park Theatre.
Michael Fox plays Pierre Vigneau. His theatre credits include The Fear of 13 (Donmar Warehouse), Othello (Riverside Studios), and An Enemy of the People (Chichester Festival Theatre). He has appeared in Downton Abbey and Endeavour on television, as well as films like Downton Abbey: A New Era and Dunkirk.
Nigel Harman plays Otto Abetz. His theatre works include The Da Vinci Code, Shrek the Musical, and Guys and Dolls. Television credits feature Casualty, EastEnders, and Downton Abbey; film work includes Blood Diamond.
Jennifer Kirby plays Isabelle Vigneau with theatre credits such as Untitled F ck M ss S gon Play (Young Vic) and Henry V (RSC). She is known for her role in Call the Midwife on television.
Jemima Rooper portrays Suzanne Abetz. Her extensive theatre experience includes Orpheus Descending (Menier Chocolate Factory) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Young Vic). Television appearances include Grantchester and Silent Witness; she has also featured in films like Kinky Boots.
Alex Waldmann plays Joseph Haffmann. His stage work includes Arms and the Man and Julius Caesar (RSC). On television, he appears in Missing You; his film roles include Scoop.
REWELL MISTER HAFFMANN
5 March – 12 April
Press night: 10 March at 7pm
Mon – Sat Evenings at 7.30pm, Thu and Sat matinees at 3pm
Box Office: 020 7870 6876*
www.parktheatre.co.uk
*Telephone booking fee of £3 per transaction applies. All ticket prices are inclusive of a £1.50 building levy.
Ticket prices
Previews: £15 – £29.50
Standard: £22.50 – £47.50
Mon eve, Thu mat: 65+: £20 – £26.50
Access: £18.50
Park Up (16-26 years): £10 on Band C seats throughout the run