The hit BBC reality series The Traitors is making a bold leap from television to theatre. Studio Lambert and Neal Street Productions have announced a stage adaptation of the show, set to premiere in London’s West End in 2027. Written by John Finnemore and directed by Robert Hastie, deputy artistic director of the National Theatre, the production promises to reimagine the psychological drama for a live audience.
From Screen to Stage
The stage show will draw inspiration from the original BBC series hosted by Claudia Winkleman in the UK and Alan Cumming in the U.S. Known for its mix of strategy, betrayal, and suspense, The Traitors has become one of the most successful reality formats in recent years. The adaptation aims to capture the same intensity while offering audiences a fresh theatrical twist. Studio Lambert chief executive Stephen Lambert described the project as “a hugely exciting step for this much-loved brand.” He added, “Partnering with Neal Street Productions, a true theatrical powerhouse, allows us to reimagine the show as a bold and surprising theatrical performance. Faithful fans should expect an intense, joyful night out as we reveal a thrilling new hunting ground for our Traitors.”
Record-Breaking Popularity
The announcement follows the success of the fourth civilian series, which concluded with a dramatic finale watched by an average of 9.4 million viewers and peaking at 9.6 million. The finale achieved a 54.9 percent audience share, making it the biggest overnight audience for BBC reality programming since The Celebrity Traitors in November. The series, which saw traitors Rachel and Stephen win for the first time, has cemented its place as one of the UK’s most-watched reality formats. Its popularity has created a loyal fan base eager to see how the drama translates to the stage.
A Bold Creative Team
Caro Newling, co-founder of Neal Street Productions, praised the creative team assembled for the adaptation. “In developing The Traitors for the stage, Neal Street and Studio Lambert have curated a team of brilliant faithful theatre-makers led by director Rob Hastie and writer John Finnemore to bring a bold, structural twist to the format that only the live medium can provide.” The production is being developed by All3Media-backed companies, with rights negotiated through All3Media International. While performance dates and venues have yet to be confirmed, anticipation is already building among fans and theatre enthusiasts.
What Audiences Can Expect
The stage version is expected to retain the core elements of deception, alliances, and dramatic reveals that made the TV series a hit. But the live format will add new layers of suspense, immersing audiences in the game as it unfolds in real time. With its blend of reality drama and theatrical innovation, The Traitors stage show could become one of the most talked-about productions in the West End.
