John Godber’s thrilling theatrical adventure The Highwayman returns to the Georgian Theatre Royal this month, bringing with it a remarkable recreation of one of the theatre’s greatest historical treasures.
Set in Yorkshire in 1769, The Highwayman is a fast-paced tale of romance, ambition, danger and survival, written by acclaimed playwright John Godber, the writer behind Bouncers and Do I Love You? The production returns to Richmond on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October 2026, following its world premiere at the Georgian Theatre Royal back in 2024.
The connection between the production and the Georgian Theatre Royal runs much deeper than its premiere. During his research for the play, Godber learned that the theatre’s extraordinary Woodland Scene, believed to be the oldest surviving stage set in Britain. Painted between 1818 and 1836, the original canvas scenery consists of a backdrop and eight flats and would once have been used whenever a production required a rural setting.
The historic scenery became the inspiration for the design of The Highwayman. A recreation of the Woodland Scene was produced for the show, meaning that when the production returns to Richmond this October, audiences will see a version of the theatre’s own historic scenery back where its inspiration now lives.
The Highwayman follows a Yorkshire caught up in money, social climbing, gambling and gin, where new wealth brings new temptation. Part romantic adventure and part riotous history lesson, the production asks what people will risk when the odds are stacked against them.
The Highwayman plays at The Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, on Friday 30 October at 7.30pm and Saturday 31 October at 2pm and 7.30pm.
Tickets are available at the Box Office on 01748 825252 or online at: www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk