Royal Court Theatre to host new stage adaptation of Letter to Brezhnev

A brand new stage adaptation of the classic Liverpool tale Letter to Brezhnev will have its debut at Liverpool’s Royal Court in Autumn 2026.

The show will be adapted by Frank Clarke, who wrote the screenplay for the legendary 80s film.

Released in October 1985, Letter to Brezhnev has been described as “having done more than perhaps any other film before or since in putting Liverpool on the cinematic map.” An unexpected success, Letter to Brezhnev is full of grit and love in equal measure. Fiercely honest and critical of the economic blight of 1980s Merseyside, the story is also one that shows the Scouse sense of humour and strength.

The show will tell the story of Teresa and Elaine who are young, beautiful and full of life. But they don’t think that will last long, because it’s 1985 and this is Kirkby. Sergei and Peter are fresh off the boat and revelling in being away from the Soviet Union. Liverpool has opened their eyes. Teresa is looking for sex and a smile, Elaine wants love, romance and the dream of a life far away from the grime of Liverpool. All of them have the chance to forget their lives and live their dreams for one glorious night.

Kevin Fearon is Executive Producer at Liverpool’s Royal Court:

“Letter to Brezhnev is the story of a moment in time, but it is something that still resonates across the city and we are delighted to be bringing it to the Liverpool stage. At Liverpool’s Royal Court we pride ourselves on putting Liverpool lives on stage, and our audience has grown up with the story of Teresa and Elaine.

With Boys From the Blackstuff, we really showed how we can adapt these televisual and cinematic moments of Scouse culture into rich and passionate stage productions. We’re incredibly proud to have Frank Clarke onboard to adapt his incredible screenplay for our audience. Letter to Brezhnev is a real moment in Liverpool, and Kirkby, culture. The film, directed by Chris Bernard, plays a huge part in the lives of our audiences. You meet so many people who were extras in the film, who remember it being filmed and who seeTeresa and Elaine as contemporaries of their youth.”

This new stage adaptation will run from 11 September to 10 October 2026.