Imagine being a young, gifted composer in a city buzzing with culture—then watching it all disappear as war closes in. That’s the real story behind Gideon, a new play with live music arriving in Bradford Cathedral this April. And it’s not just another period drama—this one hits home. It asks the kind of questions that still matter today, especially in a world where truth feels slippery and music often becomes more than just background noise.
This post is for anyone who loves a good story, especially one with music, history, and big emotions. Whether you’re into theatre, classical music, or just curious about untold lives, there’s something here for you.
A play with music, memory, and a lot of heart
Gideon is based on the life of Gideon Klein, a talented Czech-Jewish composer living in Prague in the late 1930s. At just 24 years old, his world gets turned upside down. Europe is heading into war. As fascism spreads, Gideon is sent to Terezín—a Nazi propaganda camp dressed up to look civilised, but hiding a much darker truth.
But instead of silence, Gideon keeps composing. In a place full of fear, he finds sound. This is a play about that—how art survives, and what it means when it does.
Cast stacked with stage and screen stars
If you’re into theatre, you’ll definitely recognise some of the names:
- Max Gallagher (War Horse, Home Fires) stars as Gideon.
- Rebecca Scroggs (from EastEnders, Grace, and Constellation) plays multiple roles, including Ilona and Fran—and also steps in as assistant director.
- Rosie Hilal, who’s been in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Netflix’s All The Light We Cannot See, plays Lisa.
- Alastair Michael (Silent Witness, Ridley Road) plays Gustav and Jakob.
And there’s even a voice cameo from JJ Welles as “The Voice.”
Live music from a top-notch chamber group
No backing tracks here—this show has a live chamber ensemble led by Chris Emerson of the Hallé Orchestra. Alongside him are Tomek Pieczora, Elana Kenyon-Gewirtz, and Caroline Morris. They’ll play music by Gideon Klein, his peers, and the composers that influenced him.
The music doesn’t just sit in the background. It’s part of the action—woven through scenes like a second language.
Art, identity, and the lies we live with
So what’s the point of making music in a prison camp? That’s one of the questions the play wrestles with. Is it resistance? Escape? Or just playing along with the system?
The story doesn’t give easy answers. Instead, it holds up a mirror to our own time—a world still divided by politics, faith, and identity. It shows how art can be a survival tool, a weapon, or even part of the lie. Sometimes all three at once.
Where and when to see it
Gideon premieres at Bradford Cathedral from 3rd–5th April, as part of Bradford 2025: City of Culture.
After that, it hits the road:
- Chester
- Wilmslow
- Laxton
- Manchester
Tour dates run from 8th–12th April. Tickets and full details are available at gideonplay.co.uk.
Who’s behind the show?
This is a co-production between Modalways CIC, Bradford Cathedral, and Bradford Reform Synagogue. It’s backed by public funding from Arts Council England.
The script is by Daniel Mawson, based on David Fligg’s biography Don’t Forget About Me and a 2016 theatrical portrait of Gideon Klein. The show mixes drama, music, and real historical material into something new—something that feels both intimate and big.
A heads-up about content
This production includes themes like genocide, antisemitism, death, and violence. It doesn’t shy away from hard truths. But it handles them with care.
Final notes
If you’ve never heard of Gideon Klein, you’re not alone. His music almost vanished with him. This play brings it back—not just the notes, but the person behind them. And in doing that, it reminds us that some stories are too important to lose.
Let’s not forget about him.
