Winter 1943, somewhere in war-torn Eastern Europe: a poor woodcutter’s wife finds a little bundle thrown in the snow from a moving goods train. It contains something for which she has always yearned, but…

Jean-Claude Grumberg’s best-selling French language novella, The Most Precious of Goods, is story-telling at its most profound and has been translated into 20 languages.

Told with a fairy tale-like lyricism, this gripping story of love and hope, set against the terrible backdrop of the Holocaust, reminds us that humanity can be found in the most inhumane of places.

Allan Corduner (National Theatre The Motive and the Cue and films: Tár, Topsy-Turvy) stars in this one-man tour de force, with a live score played by acclaimed cellist Gemma Rosefield, design by Carly Brownbridge, projected photography by Judy Goldhill and lighting by Matt Eagland.

The Most Precious of Goods is translated from the original French by Nicolas Kent who also directs this British premiere production.

The Most Precious of Goods opens at the Marylebone Theatre on 22^nd January 2024 to coincide with Holocaust Memorial Day (27^th January). Special preview performances will take place at JW3 on 15 and 16 January.

The Most Precious of Goods will perform 8 schools’ matinees at The Marylebone Theatre including post-show conversations – for more information please contact Elaine Grant at education@mostpreciousgoods.com.

Praise for the 2019 novella:

“Magnificent…an admirable and terrible tale” (Libération)

“A miracle of beauty, strength and simplicity.. An instant classic” (Le Canard Enchaîné)

“A fairy tale you’ll never forget” (L’Express)

The novella is currently being made into a major motion picture by the studio responsible for the Oscar-winning™ film The Artist.

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This translation was part of Jewish Book Week 2022.

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Playing time 80 minutes, no interval

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Age Guidance: 12+

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