The Young Vic Theatre has released a first-listen music video for the song “For A Change” ahead of the world premiere of Thelma & Louise, a brand-new stage musical adaptation of Callie Khouri’s Oscar and Golden Globe-winning screenplay. The production opens the theatre’s 2026/7 season on 3 September and runs until 24 October 2026, with press night on 16 September.
The track, written by Grammy-nominated musician Neko Case with Paul Rigby and Zoe Sarnak, is performed in the video by Amy Lennox and Rachel Tucker — the two leads playing Thelma and Louise respectively — with guitar by Dario Cortese. The film was directed by Mann Bros. It marks the first public glimpse of the score for what is one of the most anticipated new musicals of the theatrical season.
A landmark film reimagined for the stage
The original Thelma & Louise was released in 1991, directed by Ridley Scott and written by Khouri, who won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for her work — becoming only the second woman ever to win the award outright. The film, starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, became a cultural touchstone for its portrayal of female friendship, freedom and resistance against a world stacked against women. More than three decades on, Khouri has herself adapted the material for the stage, with the production’s producers noting that the politics of the original feel more pertinent now than ever.
The musical is directed by Trip Cullman, known for his work on productions including Becky Shaw and Choir Boy. It is a co-production between the Young Vic, Sonia Friedman Productions, Blue Spruce Productions, Ley Line Entertainment and Callie Khouri, with Mandy Greenfield producing and MGM ON STAGE involved in association.
Both leads carry strong West End credentials. Amy Lennox, who is Olivier Award-nominated and known for her roles in Cabaret and Kinky Boots, plays Thelma. Rachel Tucker, also Olivier Award-nominated and celebrated for her performances in Wicked and Come From Away, takes the role of Louise.
A stellar ensemble and creative team
The wider cast includes Trevor Dion Nicholas as Hal, Jordan Luke Gage as JD, Samuel Edwards as Darryl, Alex Gibson-Giorgio as Jimmy, Letitia Hector as Sarah, Tamlyn Henderson as Harlan/Max, and Jack Butterworth as Trooper/Singer. The ensemble features Suzie McAdam, Eleanor Walsh, Alex Given, Kamilla Fernandes, Rushand Chambers and Joshua Dever.
The creative team behind the production is equally distinguished. Choreography is by Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber, with scenography by Christine Jones and Brett J. Banakis, costume design by Ryan Dawson Laight, lighting design by Natasha Chivers, and sound design by Gareth Owen. Musical supervision is by Kimberly Grigsby, with orchestrations and arrangements by John Clancy and musical direction by Ed Bussey. Additional music comes from Carl Newman, Paul Rigby and Zoe Sarnak.
Sonia Friedman Productions, one of the co-producers, has become one of the most prolific forces in world theatre since its founding in 2002, amassing 74 Olivier Awards and 62 Tony Awards across more than 300 productions. Current West End productions under its banner include The Book of Mormon, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Stranger Things: The First Shadow and PADDINGTON The Musical.
About the Young Vic and accessibility
The Young Vic was founded in 1970 with a mission to make high-quality theatre affordable and accessible. Situated in the London Borough of Lambeth, it has grown into one of the capital’s most respected producing theatres, with a reputation for nurturing emerging directors and staging bold new work. Its artistic director is Nadia Fall OBE.
The production will include BSL-interpreted, captioned, audio-described and relaxed performances throughout its run, reflecting the theatre’s longstanding commitment to accessibility. BSL performances are scheduled for 30 September and 9 October; captioned performances on 3 and 8 October; audio-described performances on 29 September and 10 October; and relaxed performances on 3 and 7 October.
Thelma & Louise is supported by Sophie Hale and Roland Rudd, The Londoner, and the Charlotte Aitken Trust. Performances run Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.
