The production will tour to venues across the country from the 29th January until the 2nd May 2026, including a run at London’s Park Theatre.
Marking the 25th anniversary of the death of Sir Alec Guinness, it has been confirmed that Two Halves of Guinness by Mark Burgess (Einstein in Cromer with David Suchet; The Wrong Hero; A King’s Speech for BBC Radio 4), will embark on a UK tour next year.
With nearly 70 plays, 50 films, over a dozen television dramas, and two Oscars to his name, Sir Alec Guinness’ career spanned Shakespeare, the beloved Ealing comedies, and Hollywood classics. Yet he feared he would only be remembered for one role: Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars.
Two Halves of Guinness is a witty, heartfelt tour through Guinness’ extraordinary life and career – his encounters with John Gielgud, Shakespeare and the galaxy of stage and screen stars who
shaped his journey.
Acclaimed broadcaster and actor Zeb Soanes stars as Alec Guinness. Known as one of the most recognisable voices in the UK through his years on BBC Radio 4 (Today Programme, Shipping Forecast) and now on Classic FM, Soanes also acted in numerous BBC radio dramas alongside David Warner, Toby Jones, and Simon Russell Beale.
Talking about the news, Soanes said: “Alec Guinness had an enigmatic quality that drew you into his performances to join him in whichever game he was playing. His ability to inhabit such a vast array of characters, exploring the many faces of himself, was hugely appealing to me when I was growing up and inspired me to pursue a career in acting. Now, 25 years since his death, it is a delight to celebrate his remarkable talent – and in many of the theatres he knew.”
The tour dates for the show are as follows:
-29th-31st January 2026 Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury, RG20 8AE
-21st February 2026 Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT
-25th February 2026 Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Millbrook, Guildford, GU1 3UX
-19th – 21st March 2026 Theatre Royal Bath, Ustinov Studio, Sawclose, Bath, BA1 1ET
-18th April 2026 Norwich Playhouse, 42-58 St Georges Street, Norwich, NR3 1AB
– 20th April – 2nd May 2026 Park Theatre, 13 Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London, N4 3JP
Two Halves of Guinness is directed by Selina Cadell (Twelfth Night; Uncle Vanya, Donmar Warehouse; Great Expectations, Garrick Theatre; Hamlet starring Eddie Izzard), with set design by Lee Newby (Starter for Ten, Bristol Old Vic, Birmingham Rep; Barnum, Watermill Theatre; The Last Five Years, Garrick Theatre) and music is by Eliza Thompson whose credits span film, television, and theatre, including The Madness of King
George (1994), The Importance of Being Earnest (2002), and Eddie Izzard’s Hamlet.