The Score

Legendary stage and screen actor Brian Cox (HBO’s multi-award-winning Succession) stars as Johann Sebastian Bach in Oliver Cotton’s new play, originally presented at the Theatre Royal Bath.

Spring 1747, Potsdam, Prussia. Johann Sebastian Bach reluctantly visits the court of Frederick II, Europe’s most ambitious and dangerous leader. The two men could hardly be more different. Bach is deeply religious, Frederick is an atheist. Bach loathes war, Frederick revels in it. Bach studies scripture, Frederick reads military history. Frederick remains in awe of Bach’s genius however and has mischievously prepared a musical conundrum that he hopes will baffle the composer and amuse his court. The explosive events of the following days could not have been predicted by either man.

Brian Cox’s glittering career has spanned more than sixty years, garnering numerous awards, working with the most esteemed theatre companies and renowned Hollywood and TV directors. Twice Olivier Award winner for Best Actor, his portrayal in the HBO hit series Succession has won him a Golden Globe award and Emmy nominations.

He is joined in the cast by Nicole Ansari-Cox who studied at the prestigious Actors’ Studio in New York and has starred regularly on stage and screen in the UK and the US. Her major credits include Deadwood, The Biographer and Blumenthal on screen, and starring in Tom Stoppard’s Rock’n’Roll at the Royal Court and on Broadway. Former artistic director of the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company, Trevor Nunn’s multi-award-winning repertoire ranges from Les Misérables to The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby.

"Brian Cox is magnificent" (Daily Telegraph)

"Brian Cox… a volcanic presence" (Times)

"Trevor Nunn’s grand production" (Daily Mail)

Important Information

£1.75 restoration levy (collected on behalf of the theatre) appears as part of the face value.

Booking Period: 20 February – 26 April 2025

Performance Times: Monday - Saturday 7.30pm, Wednesday & Saturday 2.30pm

Running Time: 2 hours 40 mins (incl. interval)

Age Restriction: Suggested for 12 and over

Venue: Theatre Royal Haymarket, Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4HT