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Is Yentl a Musical? What to Expect from the Marylebone Theatre Production

April 21, 20266 min read

If you're familiar with Barbra Streisand's iconic 1983 film, you might be wondering: is the Marylebone Theatre production of Yentl a musical? The short answer is no—this acclaimed staging is a straight play, not a musical. While Streisand's film adaptation featured memorable songs and musical numbers, the Marylebone Theatre production takes a different approach, presenting a bold, contemporary reimagining of Isaac Bashevis Singer's original 1962 short story "Yentl the Yeshiva Boy" as a dramatic play.

Understanding the Different Versions of Yentl

To appreciate what makes this production special, it helps to understand the various adaptations of Yentl over the years:

  • 1962: Isaac Bashevis Singer published the original short story "Yentl the Yeshiva Boy"
  • 1975: A stage play adaptation by Leah Napolin and Singer opened on Broadway, starring Tovah Feldshuh
  • 1983: Barbra Streisand's film musical became the most famous version, featuring songs and Streisand in the title role
  • 2026: The Kadimah Yiddish Theatre's new adaptation arrives at Marylebone Theatre

The Marylebone production is not a stage version of the Streisand film. Instead, it's a completely new adaptation that returns to Singer's original source material while incorporating contemporary perspectives on gender identity, faith, and tradition.

What to Expect from the Marylebone Theatre Production

A Bilingual Theatrical Experience

One of the most distinctive features of this production is its bilingual presentation. The play unfolds in both English and Yiddish, with English surtitles projected for audiences during the Yiddish sections. This linguistic choice connects the production to its cultural roots and adds authenticity to this story set in 19th-century Poland. Directed by Gary Abrahams, who co-wrote the script with Elise Hearst and Galit Klas, the production has been described as "nothing short of magic" by TimeOut and earned five-star reviews from The Guardian, which called it "a superb theatrical coup."

The Story: A Quest for Knowledge and Identity

Set in 1873 Poland, Yentl tells the story of a young Jewish woman who defies Orthodox law by disguising herself as a man named Anshel in order to study the Torah and Jewish scripture—an education forbidden to women in her community. After her father's death, she leaves her hometown and enrolls in a yeshiva (a Jewish educational institution). At the yeshiva, Yentl befriends a fellow student named Avigdor, and a complex love triangle develops when Avigdor's former fiancée, Hodes, becomes attracted to Anshel. The narrative explores Yentl's internal struggle as her disguise evolves into something more profound—a fundamental shift in identity that challenges everything she knows about faith, gender, desire, and tradition.

A Unique Creative Approach

This production introduces "The Figure"—a demon-like narrator character who serves as Yentl's inner voice and inclination. Performed by Evelyn Krape, this addition provides a theatrical device to explore Yentl's psychological and spiritual journey in ways that set this adaptation apart from previous versions. The script also incorporates contemporary discussions on gender-neutral language within the Hebrew alphabet and explores the concept of the Torah being female, adding layers of meaning that resonate with modern conversations about gender and spirituality.

Award-Winning International Production

Before arriving in London, this production earned critical acclaim in Australia with runs at the Arts Centre Melbourne and the Sydney Opera House, where it received five-star reviews. The production has been described as:

  • "Delicate and wondrous" (ArtsHub)
  • "Flawless" (Theatre Matters)
  • "First rate theatre" (Cultural Binge)
  • "One of the most thought-provoking stage productions" (Lilithia)
  • "An exceptional work of theatre" (Suzie Goes See)

The Age advised audiences to "prepare to be astonished."

Cast and Creative Team

Principal Cast

  • Amy Hack as Yentl/Anshel
  • Ashley Margolis as Avigdor
  • Genevieve Kingsford as Hodes
  • Evelyn Krape as The Figure

Creative Team

  • Writers: Gary Abrahams, Elise Hearst, and Galit Klas (based on Isaac Bashevis Singer's short story)
  • Director: Gary Abrahams
  • UK Set & Costume Designer: Isabella Van Braeckel
  • Original Set & Costume Designer: Dann Barber
  • UK Lighting Designer: Tom Turner
  • UK Sound Designer: Julian Starr
  • Original Sound Designer & Composer: Max Lyandvert
  • UK Fight & Intimacy Director: Yarit Dor

Practical Information for Audiences

Run Dates and Venue

The production runs from 6 March to 12 April 2026 at the Marylebone Theatre in London for a strictly limited six-week engagement.

Running Time

The performance lasts approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a 20-minute interval.

Age Recommendation and Content Warnings

This production is recommended for ages 14 and above. Be aware that it includes:

  • Adult themes, including references to suicide
  • Full-frontal male and female nudity
  • Use of flashing lights, haze, and smoke effects
  • A large amount of rubber used in the set (note for those with rubber allergies)

Set Design

The production features an evocative set design that uses rubber as a key material, creating atmospheric interior and forest scenes that transport audiences to 19th-century Eastern Europe.

How This Production Differs from the Barbra Streisand Film

While both are based on the same source material, the differences are significant:

  1. Musical vs. Play: The film is a musical with songs; this production is a straight play with no singing
  2. Focus: The film has been criticized for centering too much on Streisand as a star; this production focuses more deeply on themes of gender identity, spirituality, and self-actualization
  3. Ending: The film significantly changed Singer's ending, while this adaptation stays closer to the original story's themes
  4. Depth: This production delves more deeply into sexuality and gender identity, treating Yentl's transformation as a fundamental identity shift rather than simply a disguise

Author Isaac Bashevis Singer famously criticized the Streisand film for straying too far from his original vision. This new adaptation appears to honor Singer's intentions while bringing contemporary insights to the material.

Why See This Production?

The Marylebone Theatre production of Yentl offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience a fresh theatrical interpretation of a classic story. It's not a musical, but rather a thought-provoking drama that combines cultural authenticity (through its use of Yiddish), innovative staging, and contemporary relevance. Whether you're familiar with the Streisand film or encountering Yentl's story for the first time, this production promises a unique theatrical experience that explores timeless questions about identity, faith, and the courage it takes to be true to oneself in a world that demands conformity. With its five-star reviews, international acclaim, and strictly limited run, this is a production that demands attention from anyone interested in bold, intelligent theatre that challenges audiences to think deeply about gender, tradition, and the transformative power of knowledge.