The Royal Court Theatre London has entered into a new partnership with Tony Award- and Olivier Award-winning producers Brian and Dayna Lee. The partnership encompasses a multi-year, exclusive “first look” agreement with the duo, who will develop new works originating in the Court’s Jerwood Theatre Downstairs. This agreement will aim to bolster new works to eventually be produced on the Court’s main stage, as well as internationally.
“With the Royal Court being the hub for innovative story telling, we are excited to continue to amplify new and potentially undiscovered voices and help them find a home in the commercial space — be it on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in the West End or beyond,” the Lees told Broadway News in an exclusive joint statement.
This partnership builds on the success of the Court’s collaboration with the producers on Mark Rosenblatt’s “Giant,” which had its world premiere at the Jerwood Theatre in fall 2024. The Lees shepherded the John Lithgow-led drama to London’s West End in spring 2025, where it won the 2025 Olivier Award for Best New Play. The Lees will subsequently produce the previously announced spring 2026 Broadway mounting.
“Working together on ‘Giant,’ from our first meeting, Brian and Dayna were dream collaborators,” said Royal Court artistic director David Byrne and executive director Will Young in a joint statement. “It wasn’t long before we were discussing all our future plans together — and it became clear we needed to make them an extended part of the Court team. We couldn’t be happier that this new partnership will see us expand the future life possibilities for the work presented in our Jerwood Theatre Downstairs to audiences around the world.”
“The Royal Court is, without question, the world’s foremost home for new writing,” added Brian and Dayna Lee. “It’s a place for daring ideas, radical voices and the most visionary playwrights of our time. For decades, it has redefined the possibilities of theater, setting the standard for bold, original storytelling, both in the UK, and on the global stage. From our very first conversations with David and Will, it was clear that they carried a powerful vision: one rooted in the Court’s extraordinary legacy, but also fearlessly focused on the future. We are deeply honored to support that vision and help carry the Royal Court’s astonishing work from its iconic home in Sloane Square to the West End, to Broadway and on to international audiences around the world.”
The Lees, who are spouses, are founders of AF Creative Media. The Lees have won Tony Awards for their work producing “Moulin Rouge!” and revivals of “Angels in America” and “Company.” The pair was recently represented on Broadway with 2025 Best Musical Tony nominee “Dead Outlaw” and 2024 Best Revival of a Musical Tony nominee “Cabaret.” Their additional London credits include the Olivier-nominated production of “Fiddler on the Roof” at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
