Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky, Patrick Hamilton’s love letter to 1920s Jazz Age London, finally comes to the stage care of Troupe Theatre, the company renowned for its rediscovery of lost classics.
“But I want you – I must have you”
London, 1929. In the seedy Midnight Bell pub, barman Bob dreams of becoming a writer, while barmaid Ella dreams of being with Bob. When Bob becomes obsessed with alluring prostitute Jenny Maple, he fritters his life’s savings on trying to rescue her. But there is more to the intriguing Jenny than meets the eye…
Adapted from the classic novel by Patrick Hamilton, famed author of Gaslight, Rope and Hangover Square, Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky is an epic tale of three lonely Londoners looking for connection in the sprawling streets of the metropolis.
Both darkly humorous and devastating, it is a love letter to 1920s Jazz Age London in all its grimy glory. An acclaimed television adaptation was broadcast on BBC Four in 2005, starring Sally Hawkins.
This world premiere of Simon Reade’s sharp new stage play adaptation is directed by Off West End Award winner Matthew Iliffe (Bacon) and features an ensemble cast in a stylish period production from Troupe Theatre, the producer of Noël Coward’s The Rat Trap and John Galsworthy’s The Forsyte Saga Parts 1 and 2 (Royal Shakespeare Company/Park Theatre).
Following the 7pm on Friday 18 September 2026, I’ll talk to Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky‘s director and cast about Patrick Hamilton’s legacy and bringing this lost classic to the stage. Any questions? Join us!