One-night-only celebration brings Pratchett’s world to life – with Rhianna Pratchett, Dan Schreiber, and a very special mystery guest
If you’ve ever wanted to wander through Ankh-Morpork without the risk of being mugged by a sentient suitcase, mark your calendar. On Sunday 28 April 2025, The Duchess Theatre transforms into the Discworld for The Magic of Terry Pratchett – a one-night-only, heartfelt, and hilarious tribute to the literary titan himself.
This isn’t your typical West End affair. Instead, it’s a genre-hopping journey into the mind of one of Britain’s most beloved storytellers. Author, comedian, and full-time Pratchett aficionado Marc Burrows will lead the charge, armed with comedy, commentary, and enough insider lore to fill the Unseen University library. Expect a lively blend of stand-up and storytelling, multimedia wizardry, and deep emotional resonance – all in honour of what would have been Terry Pratchett’s 77th birthday.
Oh, and did we mention there’ll be dragons? Probably metaphorical ones. Probably.
Terry Pratchett Magic Hits the London Stage
For London’s creative and literary scene, The Magic of Terry Pratchett is more than a performance – it’s a portal into a universe that’s reshaped fantasy as we know it. Burrows’ show debuted to rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023 and has since enchanted over 15,000 fans across the UK and beyond, including a stop in Australia.
Now, it’s the West End’s turn. The evening will unfold in two acts:
Act One delivers the full Fringe show, a rollercoaster through Pratchett’s life, legacy, and world-building genius. Through humour, anecdotes, and licensed media, it explores how a boy from Beaconsfield became a global literary legend.
Act Two shifts gears to a live conversation between Burrows and some very special guests – Rhianna Pratchett, Dan Schreiber, and a surprise mystery guest with a deep connection to Sir Terry himself. Together, they’ll delve into the enduring power of the Discworld universe and reflect on how Pratchett’s impact continues to ripple through storytelling, culture, and fandom.
Rhianna Pratchett: A Legacy Continued
Rhianna Pratchett is far more than “just” Terry’s daughter. A BAFTA-nominated writer in her own right, she’s been pushing narrative boundaries across gaming, comics, and screen for two decades. From Rise of the Tomb Raider to Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch – her Amazon bestseller co-authored within the Discworld canon – she’s a creative force shaping her father’s legacy with flair, wit, and depth.
As co-director of Narrativia, the production company dedicated to adapting Pratchett’s works, she’s playing a vital role in introducing Discworld to new generations. At this event, she brings both personal insight and creative expertise – a rare combination for any fan seeking a deeper understanding of Pratchett’s world.
Comedy Meets Commentary with Dan Schreiber
If you love No Such Thing As A Fish, then Dan Schreiber needs no introduction. As a seasoned podcaster, comedian, and folklore aficionado, Schreiber brings his sharp wit and cultural curiosity to the stage. His admiration for Pratchett runs deep, and he’ll be joining the conversation to reflect on Discworld’s influence on comedy, critical thinking, and storytelling across media.
Marc Burrows: A Scholar of the Satirical
Marc Burrows isn’t just hosting the show – he’s the brains behind it. His Locus Award-winning biography, The Magic of Terry Pratchett, is the foundation for this theatrical deep dive. A regular contributor to The Guardian, The Independent, and The Big Issue, Burrows is known for turning complex subjects into smart, digestible, and always funny cultural commentary.
He’s also the bassist in cult punk band The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing, proving that in true Pratchett fashion, life’s best stories are multi-classed.
A One-Off West End Event You Won’t Want to Miss
Pratchett’s influence stretches far beyond the page. His work has sparked academic studies, inspired global conventions, and redefined what fantasy can do – often with a side of sarcasm and a sprinkle of footnotes. Whether you’re a long-time Discworld devotee or simply curious about the man behind the hat, this event offers something rare: a live, unscripted, deeply human tribute to the power of imagination.
And let’s not forget the venue. The Duchess Theatre – nestled in the heart of London’s vibrant Covent Garden – provides the perfect backdrop for this magical evening. A historic yet intimate space, it’s ideal for a night of storytelling, nostalgia, and nerdy glee.
London’s Creative Crowd, This One’s For You
In a city obsessed with innovation and narrative reinvention, The Magic of Terry Pratchett is a cultural beacon. It sits at the intersection of literature, comedy, legacy, and live performance – everything London’s creative crowd thrives on. For writers, readers, game designers, and lovers of smart satire, this is more than entertainment. It’s a communal spell, cast in celebration of a man who changed the way we tell stories.
And in true Pratchett style, the evening won’t shy away from big ideas. Expect thoughtful reflections on dementia research, the right to die, and the human condition – delivered with the wit and warmth that made Sir Terry a literary icon.
Get your tickets now, because just like Luggage, this show doesn’t stick around for long.
🌐 www.theduchesstheatre.co.uk/tickets/the-magic-of-terry-pratchett/
📍 The Duchess Theatre, 3–5 Catherine St, London WC2B 5LA
🗓 Sunday 28 April 2025
🕢 7.30pm
