24 July – 12 September 2026
@sohoplace

Composed by Philip Glass
Written & Co-Directed by Phelim McDermott
Co-Directed by Kirsty Housley

Factory International, Improbable and Nica Burns present the West End premiere of Tao of Glass.

An exploration of life, loss and a single question: Where does true inspiration come from?

Composer Philip Glass and performer-director Phelim McDermott (Improbable) have worked together on acclaimed opera productions in London, New York and beyond, and Tao of Glass is their most personal collaboration yet. Inspired by a dream, this West End premiere marries ten meditations on life, death and Taoist wisdom with ten brand new pieces of music from Glass, presented by McDermott with an ensemble of musicians and puppeteers.

Part-concert, part-performance, Tao of Glass is a storytelling tapestry, soundtracked by Glass’s mesmerising music and shot through with Improbable’s trademark theatricality.

The creative team are Composer: Philip Glass, Writer & Co-Director: Phelim McDermott; Co-Director: Kirsty Housley; Designer: Fly Davis; Lighting Designer: Colin Grenfell; Sound Designer: Giles Thomas; Musical Director: Chris Vatalaro; Puppet Designer & Puppet Maker: Lyndie Wright.