Poland, 1949. Zula is bold and brilliant, a singer who ignites the stage. Wiktor is withdrawn and damaged, a composer longing to write. Irresistibly drawn to each other, they dream of escape. But in Communist-controlled Poland, the desire for freedom can be a dangerous thing. Based on the film by Academy Award winner Pawel Pawlikowski, Cold War is an epic love story spanning the decades and breadth of Europe at its most divided, and a compelling story of passion, redemption, and the journey to be free. This stage adaptation by Conor McPherson was first performed at the Almeida Theatre, London, in November 2023, directed by Rupert Goold, and featuring traditional Polish songs alongside music by Elvis Costello.

Conor McPherson's musical Girl from the North Country, featuring songs by Bob Dylan, has been a hit around the world, including in the West End and on Broadway, where it won multiple Olivier and Tony Awards. His other plays include The Weir, Shining City, The Seafarer and The Night Alive.