Step into the dazzling world of live 1950s television and witness Hollywood’s first celebrity meltdown, played to perfection.
Emmy and Tony Award-winner Sean Hayes (Will & Grace) brings his acclaimed, Tony Award-winning performance to the Barbican this Summer in Good Night, Oscar – direct from a critically acclaimed Broadway season.
It’s 1958, and Jack Paar hosts the hottest late-night talk-show on television. His favourite guest? Character actor, pianist, and wild card Oscar Levant. Famous for his witty one-liners, Oscar has a favourite: “There’s a fine line between genius and insanity; I have erased this line.” Tonight, Oscar will prove just that when he appears live on national TV in an episode that Paar’s audience—and the rest of America—won’t soon forget.
Full of humour, with an unmissable, virtuosic performance from Sean Hayes, Good Night, Oscar masterfully explores fame, artistry, and the fragility of genius. This strictly limited one time seven-week summer season at the Barbican will sell out quickly – advance booking is strongly advised.
Assisted Performances:
Audio Described, 5 September, 7pm
Touch Tour, 5 September, 5.15pm
BSL Interpreted, 23 August, 2.30pm
Captioned, 27 August, 7pm
1hr 40min. No interval.
Plays, Off West End
Ages 12+.
31st July, 2025
21st September, 2025
This production contains adult topics, including depictions of mental health conditions, prescribed drug abuse, strong language and the use of fake cigarettes.
Location: Fringe/Off West End
Railway station: Moorgate
Bus numbers: (Beech Street) 76, 153; (City Road) 21, 43, 141, 205, 214, 271
Night bus numbers: (Beech Street) N76; (City Road) 43, 205, 214, 271
Car park: Aldersgate Street underground car park (10mins)
Directions from tube: (10mins) Take Goswell Road and turn right at Fann Street. Continue straight onto Fortune Street, before turning right at Whitecross Street and follow it all the way down to the theatre entrance.
Day of week | Evening |
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Monday | - |
Tuesday | 7:00 PM |
Wednesday | - |
Thursday | 7:00 PM |
Friday | 7:00 PM |
Saturday | 7:00 PM |
Sunday | - |
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