Cunard to bring award-winning theatre to the Queen Anne

The West End and Broadway producer David Pugh will work with the luxury cruise line’s creative team on this endeavour.

Pugh has won theatre awards around the world and his most recent success was the sell-out Shirley Valentine by Willy Russell and starring Sheridan Smith.

The collaboration will kick off with a production of Noël Coward’s Brief Encounter which will debut on Queen Anne’s maiden voyage in the Royal Court Theatre.

David Pugh describes Brief Encounter as one of his favourite West End productions (Image: Cunard)

Speaking on the collaboration David Pugh said: “I am delighted that Cunard’s new ship Queen Anne will play host to Brief Encounter, which is one of my favourite West End productions that I have ever produced.

"It is an immense privilege to be involved with this project and I am so excited to bring the joy of live performance to the high seas.”

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “This hugely exciting collaboration is a real celebration for theatre lovers and the stage is almost set for guests to enjoy some of the most remarkable live performances on board our newest ship Queen Anne.

"Whether it’s the bright lights of Broadway or the buzz of the West End, the incredible David Pugh, together with Emma Rice, will deliver the very best that theatre has to offer.”

All you need to know about Cunard's Queen Anne

The Queen Anne will become the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, and is set to enter service in 2024.

It will make up a quartet of Cunard ships at sea alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth.

Inger Klein Thorhauge will serve as the first captain of the Queen Anne, and is also Cunard's first female captain.

It will have the capacity to hold 3,000 guests and more than 1,200 staff as it sails around the world.