Matt Smith is set to star in a new stage production of Matt Haig's novel, The Humans, which will make its world premiere in London's West End. The project brings together the writer Jack Thorne, known for his work on Adolescence, and the director Jeremy Herrin, who previously helmed Wolf Hall and People, Places and Things. The play is scheduled to open in late 2027, marking a significant theatrical adaptation of Haig's popular fiction.
The performance will take place at the Theatre Royal Haymarket as part of a limited engagement. Previews are expected to begin on October 30, 2027, with the official opening night set for November 16, 2027. The run is planned to conclude on January 28, 2028. At present, the full cast and the remaining members of the creative team have not been announced, leaving anticipation high for the other roles in the production.
In the narrative, Smith will portray an unnamed extraterrestrial being. This character is dispatched to Earth with the specific mission of halting human progress, which is viewed as a threat to other worlds. To carry out this task, the alien assumes the physical form of Andrew Martin, a mathematics professor at the University of Cambridge. Through inhabiting Martin's body, the visitor witnesses the full spectrum of human behavior, ranging from its darkest moments to its most profound acts of kindness, ultimately undergoing a transformation.
Thorne expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, describing the opportunity to work on Haig's book with Herrin as a dream. He characterized the story as being fundamentally about an alien discovering the complex nature of beauty. Thorne noted that he could not imagine a more suitable actor for the role than Smith, highlighting the star's ability to embody the character's journey.
Haig, who has described The Humans as perhaps his most personal novel, praised the adaptation process. He stated that upon reading Thorne's script, he recognized that the material was being elevated into something special. The author also lauded Smith's casting, suggesting that the actor was almost designed for the part and predicted that the audience would be pleasantly surprised by the final result.
Herrin added that Thorne immediately understood the potential of Haig's story for the stage. The director highlighted Smith's skills, describing him as an actor of courage and intensity who is poised to deliver an unforgettable performance. Smith himself expressed delight at reuniting with Herrin, calling the project a blast and praising Thorne's brilliant adaptation.
The production is being brought to life by Melting Pot and Second Half Productions in association with Access Entertainment. Access Entertainment, which is owned by Len Blavatnik and Danny Cohen, also holds the rights to the Haymarket theatre. These companies have a strong track record in both film and stage productions, ensuring a high level of professional support for the project.
Matt Haig is a widely recognized author whose works have been translated into more than 50 languages. His bibliography includes the bestsellers The Midnight Library and How to Stop Time, as well as the nonfiction title Reasons to Stay Alive. His children's book, A Boy Called Christmas, was recently adapted into a feature film. Jack Thorne is also a prominent writer, with credits that include the stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Jeremy Herrin founded Second Half Productions in 2020 alongside Alan Stacey and Rob O'Rahilly. He has previously served as the artistic director of Headlong and as deputy artistic director at the Royal Court Theatre. Melting Pot, launched by Simon Friend in 2015, has produced notable works such as the stage version of Life of Pi and the film The Father, the latter of which received two Oscar awards.
Access Entertainment has invested in several high-profile film projects, including Conclave and The Zone of Interest. In the theatre sector, the company has supported productions such as Sarah Snook's The Picture of Dorian Gray and the Royal Shakespeare Company's Game of Thrones: The Mad King. That particular production is also scheduled to transfer to London in 2027, the same year Smith will take the stage at the Haymarket.
