One Night Only

What If?

BY KIERAN RAYNER

DIRECTED BY GUIDO MARTIN-BRANDIS AND EDWINA STROBL.

4 July 2025

Overview

What path will our river take to the sea?

England, 1914. Young bookseller Max and his best friend Sam have both fallen for Lily, a suffragette. As World War I unfolds, will Max follow patriotic Sam and enlist, or stay and campaign for social reform with Lily? Be it in cruel trenches or impoverished streets, turmoil is inevitable. Navigating war, politics, love, and brotherhood, Max must choose between desire and loyalty, between his duty and principles. What will he do? That’s where you come in…

Kieran Rayner’s moving and entertaining story combines live classical music with a branching narrative where the audience votes on what happens, shaping the plot and musical programme. Featuring songs by Finzi, Butterworth, Schubert, Robert & Clara Schumann, Ethel Smyth and more, What If? is an unforgettable evening of choose-your-own-adventure with song at its soul.

 

Suggested Age: 12+

 


People

Kieran Rayner
Max, Sam, Lily; Baritone, writer & creator
Kieran is an award-winning Kiwi operatic baritone. He has starred at the Royal Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall, and across Europe, Asia, and the Pacific.
Gamal Khamis
Piano, musical direction
An award-winning pianist and chamber musician, Gamal has performed at Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall, and he is a professor at the RCM. Gamal is delighted to return to Jermyn Street Theatre

Guido Martin-Brandis
Co-Director
Edwina Strobl
Co-Director


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