Philip Glass born in 1937 is “celebrated as one of the most influential and prolific American composers of the 20th and 21st centuries, and he was a pioneer of musical minimalism”. His repetitive musical style is very different. Glass went on to write dozens of operas; such as Satyagraha and Akhnaten, symphonies, concertos, and chamber pieces. Tao of Glass—is the inspiring collaborative work of composer Philip Glass and writer/director Phelim McDermott This production delves deeply into the theatrical artistry of imaginative storytelling and hypnotic concert of musical theatre. With a touch of comedy and paper puppetry, beautifully performed with style and grace.
It touches on an emotional journey through life, reflection and wonder portrayed through the eyes and ears of Phelim Mc Dermott. He tells the story in a way that is heartfelt and authentic. Staging in the round enables the audience to get a full view of the puppetry and changing images that unfold in front of you. In the first half Phelim Mc Dermott spends a considerable length of time talking, maybe necessary. As he unloaded ideas, presented the background through wisdom and knowledge. The flow at times a little stilted which did slow down the pace. More of a monologue before the shift in visual staging and music took over. Mc Dermott meanders around the stage in a slow whimsical fashion among the puppetry, perusing Eastern philosophy, personal loss and his somewhat infatuation with Philip Glass; In self-gratification Mc Dermott unapologetically layers the foundations of man (Glass) worthy of superior honour, which is understandable. However, to some audience members this could well be lost in translation. The low-tech change in paper folding with the hypnotic music offered an abstract alternative theatre experience. Memorising to watch and executed brilliantly by the three puppeteers. Creating images and moving puppets as if they were real, quite astonishing.
The round stage also gave a sense of feeling, a presence of a man ‘wrapped up in his world’. As you voyeuristically immerse yourself in his world. A story through a concert of music and Taoist narrative. Lighting and sound although subtle complimented this production with a very unusual feeling of calm. Quite unique. Tao of Glass is a not your regular West End play, and researching Philip Glass could support your understanding of the dialogue.
Glass and Mc Dermott have come here with a mission to impactfully create an ‘experience’ that incites emotion that lives beyond the performance.
Tao of Glass is original, imaginary and deeply moving.
Factory International, Improbable and Nica Burns in association with Heni Koenigsberg
Philip Glass, Phelim McDermott presenting the Puppeteers
Writer & Co-Director Phelim McDermott
Co-Director Kirsty Housley
Composer Philip Glass
Musical Director Chris Vatalaro
This play commences at 7.30pm 2hrs 30 minutes duration with one interval.
Run 25th July – 12th September 2026
Booking Link https://ticketing.sohoplace.org/shop/tickets/series/SPTOGO1M/tao-of-glass1959200
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed: 30th July 2026
North West End UK Rating: