THANKS FOR HAVING ME Arrives in London

Theatre isn’t just about spectacle—it’s about life. And nothing captures life quite like a story that mirrors our modern dating trials, served with a side of laughter. This April, London’s Riverside Studios will play host to one of the most exciting theatrical events of the season: THANKS FOR HAVING ME, a sharp and stylish sitcom-inspired stage play that promises to bring both comedy and catharsis to theatregoers.

What’s got everyone talking? The stellar cast, drawn straight from the world of prestige television, including SEX EDUCATION star Kedar Williams-Stirling and Game of Thrones’ own Nell Tiger Free. But beyond the famous faces, it’s the play’s witty, insightful take on modern dating that’s set to make it a must-see.

A Sitcom Brought to Life on Stage

From the mind of playwright Keelan Kember, THANKS FOR HAVING ME is a refreshing take on romantic relationships, centring on two housemates with wildly different views on love and dating. In a theatre landscape often dominated by grand period dramas and high-concept experimental works, a play that revels in the familiar rhythms of sitcom storytelling is a welcome breath of fresh air.

Director Monica Cox takes the reins, bringing the snappy pacing and comedic timing of television to the live stage. If you’ve ever found yourself shouting at your screen, convinced that a sitcom character is making every wrong decision in the book, now’s your chance to experience that thrill in real time, with actors responding to the energy of a live audience.

A Cast That Bridges the Worlds of TV and Theatre

One of the major draws of this production is its impeccable cast, a mix of acclaimed TV talent and stage performers with razor-sharp comedic instincts.

Leading the charge is Kedar Williams-Stirling, beloved for his role as Jackson in SEX EDUCATION. Here, he takes on the role of Honey, one of the two housemates navigating the highs and lows of modern romance. Meanwhile, Nell Tiger Free, best known for her eerie, scene-stealing turn as Myrcella Baratheon in GAME OF THRONES, brings her talents to the role of Eloise.

Joining them is Adeyinka Akinrinade as Maya, who brings a fresh perspective and energy to the mix, alongside playwright Keelan Kember, who steps into the role of Cashel. There’s something thrilling about watching an actor perform their own work—the passion, the precision, the intimate understanding of every beat and pause in the dialogue.

What a Hoot

In a city bursting with theatrical options, what makes THANKS FOR HAVING ME stand out? For one, its universal appeal. Keelan Kember has crafted a script that reflects the dating experiences of an entire generation—awkward, frustrating, hilarious, and deeply relatable. As he puts it, “I think that at some point in their life, many people will have been, or will in the future be, similar to one of these four characters.”

There’s a genuine emotional truth in comedy, and this play taps into that perfectly. Whether you’re single, coupled up, or somewhere in between, you’re likely to recognise your own experiences in the interactions on stage. And if you’re happily partnered, as Kember himself wryly notes, “you’ll thank your lucky stars that you managed to get out alive.”

Beyond its themes, the production’s execution is set to be a standout. With Eleanor Wintour on set design, expect an immersive environment that feels lifted straight from a stylish London flat. Matt Karmios’ sound and lighting design will further enhance the sitcom aesthetic, making for a show that visually and sonically echoes the best of television, all while embracing the spontaneity and rawness of live theatre.

Sitcom to Stage

With audiences increasingly consuming stories through streaming services and TV binges, theatre needs to meet them where they are. THANKS FOR HAVING ME is part of a growing trend of plays that borrow from the pacing and relatability of television, drawing younger audiences into the theatre.

Recent hits like FLEABAG, which started as a one-woman play before becoming a global TV sensation, prove that the crossover between screen and stage can be wildly successful. If done right, THANKS FOR HAVING ME could be the next production to bridge that gap, offering a night at the theatre that feels as bingeable as your favourite sitcom.