Girl from the North Country returns to the Old Vic Theatre in London following its world premiere here in 2017 and a hit Broadway run. Written and directed by Conor McPherson, it weaves Bob Dylan’s songs into a 1934 Minnesota guesthouse setting. The 23-strong cast – including Katie Brayben and Colin Bates performs Dylan’s classics in emotionally grounded arrangements orchestrated by Simon Hale. The staging is intimate, costumes period‑accurate, and Rae Smith’s set design transports you straight to the Dust Bowl era. Critics have praised it as “beguiling and quietly, exquisitely, heartbreaking”
Set in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1934, Girl from the North Country in London introduces you to a guesthouse sheltering a cross-section of the era’s lost and hopeful. Each character—debt-laden tenants, wandering musicians—brings a story of love, loss, and survival amid the Great Depression. Interwoven with their lives, Dylan’s lyrics underscore themes of faith, hardship, forgiveness, and desperation. As secrets emerge, and songs shift between solace and sorrow, the guesthouse becomes a crucible for human resilience. Who will find redemption, and who will drift away? Discover it live at the Old Vic.
Show timings for Girl from the North Country may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
With over two centuries of history, the Old Vic Theatre opened in 1818 as the Royal Coburg Theatre and now seats around 1,067 guests across three levels, including stalls, dress circle, and Lilian Baylis Circle. A Grade II* listed London landmark, the venue has showcased legends like Laurence Olivier, Judi Dench, and Maggie Smith. Known for blending classic drama and innovative productions, it remains a cultural beacon on the South Bank.
The Old Vic Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Available facilities: restrooms, bar, cloakroom, cafe, gift shop
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible, hearing assistance, access performances, audio description, accessible elevator, sign language interpreters, step-free access
The cost of the tickets starts from £27.50 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The musical does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 14 years and above.
The show is playing at the Old Vic Theatre in London.
It follows guests at a 1934 Duluth, Minnesota guesthouse during the Great Depression, exploring love, loss, and hope through Bob Dylan’s songs woven into a compelling, character‑driven drama
The running time is 2 hours 30 minutes with one 20-minute intermission(s).
The main stars of the show are Colin Bates as Gene Laine, Katie Brayben as Elizabeth Laine, Colin Connor as Nick Laine, David Ganly as Mr Burke, Steffan Harri as Elias Burke
The musical has a range of delightful songs. Listen to classics like “Like a Rolling Stone,” “Make You Feel My Love,” “All Along the Watchtower,” “Forever Young,” “Hurricane,” and more from Dylan’s catalogue spanning 1963–2012.
Yes, there are BSL-signed, captioned, and audio-described performances scheduled throughout the run. Audio-described performances will take place on August 7 at 7:30pm (with a Touch Tour at 5:30pm) and August 9 at 2:30pm (Touch Tour at 12:00 noon). A relaxed performance, which is also audio described, captioned, and BSL interpreted, will be held on August 9 at 2:30pm. Captioned performances are scheduled for August 9 at 2:30pm and August 11 at 7:30pm, while BSL-interpreted performances will take place on August 9 at 2:30pm and August 15 at 7:30pm.