Good Night, Oscar star says West End cast were influenced by Stephen Colbert’s recent show cancellation

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This week, the critically acclaimed show by Sean Hayes, titled “Good Night, Oscar,” is set to debut at The Barbican – and it couldn’t come at a more opportune moment.

As a cinema aficionado, I’m captivated by the narrative that unfolds around the enigmatic figure of 1950s pianist, composer, and humorist Oscar Levant. The play takes us on a gripping journey set on an unforgettable night when Levant defies expectations by slipping away from a mental health institution to make an appearance on the legendary late-night talk show, The Tonight Show with Jack Paar.

As we prepare for our London performance, fellow cast member Rosalie Craig (portraying Oscar’s spouse June) expressed that the show’s significance resonated deeply with us all.

Some sections of the script delve into the question of why we expose individuals in poor health on TV.

She went on to say: “We’ve been having a debate about whether it’s right to persuade Oscar to play the piano, with many differing opinions on its ethical and moral implications.

What’s our motivation behind this action? Is it driven by him personally or for the sake of boosting ratings? It seems there are multiple aspects involved, particularly exploring the complexities surrounding fame and the pressure to reach extraordinary limits in one’s self-expression.

As a movie enthusiast, even though someone might become renowned for a particular talent or role, it doesn’t necessarily mean they yearn to perform that same task constantly. It’s like imagining Beyoncé on a talk show – wouldn’t we all expect her to sing? Yet, what if she genuinely didn’t want to? That’s the dilemma sometimes faced by those in the limelight.

The upcoming lead actress for Sally Wainwright’s BBC drama “Riot Women” mentioned that the rehearsal space took a significant impact from the recent termination of Stephen Colbert’s American late-night talk program.

It felt a bit unusual when you performed an action that mirrored real-life events. The thought crossed my mind: could late-night shows survive in today’s world of streaming, or will they become obsolete?

In reality, Oscar Levant managed to break free from an institution to participate in a game show, but what truly made him popular among talk show hosts was his quick-witted humor, a skill that the actor who played Jack on Will & Grace had already mastered long before assuming the role.

According to Craig, Sean was often advised throughout his life that he would be perfect for the role of Oscar Levant. This suggestion sparked an interest within him, leading him to explore the part further. Eventually, his desire to embody this character became so strong that the idea for the show originated from there.

For her own part, Craig said June Levant was an “extraordinary” person to take on.

In a past career, she was an actress. However, she stepped away from the spotlight to work behind the scenes instead. Yet, her passion for acting – that burning flame – has never dimmed.

She appears quite modern in her thoughts, not bound by conventional norms. Moreover, she isn’t shy about expressing her opinions, and their life together was certainly unconventional.

Although it was first performed on Broadway, Craig emphasizes that the new adaptation carries a fresh, unique feel for London theatergoers.

As I stepped into the shoes of a character previously brought to life by another actor, I must admit, a subtle apprehension lingered. However, I chose to embrace this challenge wholeheartedly, pushing aside any lingering doubts or comparisons. After all, every role is an opportunity for growth and reinvention. And in doing so, I found myself immersed in a truly captivating journey that I can’t wait to share with audiences everywhere.

We’ve never aimed to simply replicate or duplicate someone else’s work; instead, we’ve taken what we have and modified it. Moreover, Sean has been an incredibly hospitable and warm host, he’s been nothing but sweet, inviting, and eager to welcome fresh acting talent.

She mentioned, ‘I truly aim to excel in this project, since it holds great significance for them while creating it. I’m eager for the audience to finally witness their effort now.’

When and where can I see Good Night, Oscar?

Good Night, Oscar will run from 31st July to 21st September 2025 at The Barbican.

Tickets start from £25, with shows every Wednesday to Sunday.

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2025-08-02 12:34