Coming to National Theatre in 2027

10 ^th September 2026

The National Theatre has announced details of its impressive programme of productions coming to the South Bank in 2027.

In particular, the 2027 programme brings together national and global perspectives that span continents and speak to the questions that define the times we are living in.

This year theatregoers can expect no fewer than eight world premieres, including major new productions dramatising real political and societal events from recent history, as well as fresh revivals of major 20th-century classics.

Speaking of the 2027 programme, National Theatre's Creative Director Indhu Rubasingha explains that: "Some of these stories are unfamiliar, some are rediscovered, and others are boldly reimagined for the times we are living in... Above all, at a time when we’re constantly asking what’s true, this programme puts the experience of truth at its heart".

2027 at National Theatre

Here's a deeper look at what's coming up in 2027.

Samira

4 February to 13 March, 2027

Thrilling, funny and provocative, set during the Arab Spring, this new play by Carmen Nasr is directed by Emily Burns with a cast that includes May Calamawy, Joshua McGuire and Sirine Saba. As protests flood the streets in 2011 Damascus, Samira stands at the heart of a movement demanding change, sharing an unfiltered account of events as they unfold. In London, a group of London academics follows her story, captivated by a revolution in real time. Then she disappears…

Suddenly Last Summer

19 February to 24 April, 2027

A haunting tale of family, trauma and competing truths, Suddenly Last Summer is one of Tennessee Williams’ most gripping plays. Michael Grandage directs Emma Corrin, Arty Froushan and National Theatre favourite Harriet Walter in a new production of this rarely performed masterpiece.

Mr Loverman

25 February to 24 April, 2027

Paulette Randall directs this funny and tender adaptation of Bernadine Evaristo's acclaimed novel, adapted for the stage by Natasha Gordon. A story of love, family, and what it means to finally choose yourself, Mr Loverman spans six decades of life from Antigua to modern-day London.

Glorious Madness

Spring 2027

A new British musical with the songs (music and lyrics) of the iconic Joan Armatrading, framed and heard anew within an original love story. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, this new love story has a book by Iman Qureshi, in a co-production with KPPL Productions.

Plenty

Spring 2027

Marking a celebrated artistic partnership, former National Theatre Director Richard Eyre returns to reunite with playwright David Hare and stage a new production of this landmark, award-winning play, ahead of its 50th anniversary. Initial casting announced for the production includes Emilia Clarke making her National Theatre debut.

Major

Spring / Summer 2027

A new play by James Graham, reuniting with director Jeremy Herrin and following on from their acclaimed production of This House. Rising from humble Whip to Prime Minister in record time, John Major took over from Margaret Thatcher with an entirely new leadership style, and at a pivotal moment when the UK was redefining its relationship to Europe. This new play asks, at times of change, what does true leadership look like?

Ghostlight

Summer / Autumn 2027

Marking the 50th anniversary of the National Theatre’s South Bank home, next summer the multi-award-winning theatre company Punchdrunk will create a new immersive production, conceived and directed by Punchdrunk founder and artistic director Felix Barrett, and curated by writer Lucy Kirkwood.

Death of a Salesman and A Whistle in the Dark

Summer / Autumn 2027

Paul Mescal stars in the repertory productions of Arthur Miller’s modern classic Death of a Salesman, directed by Rebecca Frecknall, and in Tom Murphy’s Irish masterpiece A Whistle in the Dark, directed by Caitríona McLaughlin. The cast also includes Monica Dolan, Ciarán Hinds, Tracy Letts and Aisling Loftus.

The Great Indaba

Autumn 2027

National Theatre Director Indhu Rubasingham reunites with writer Moira Buffini to direct this new play dramatising how the 1998 Good Friday Agreement took a big step forward at an extraordinary meeting in South Africa between the
new National Unity Government led by Nelson Mandela and the bitter political rivals within Northern Ireland. An inspirational true story of diplomacy which gives hope to the idea that peace can always be achieved even in the greatest areas of conflict.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead

Autumn / Winter 2027

National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director Robert Hastie stage a new production of Tom Stoppard’s absurdist classic, 60 years on from the first London and Broadway productions, with Mawaan Rizwan and George Fouracres in the title roles.

West Side Story

From November 2027

A major revival of the Broadway classic comes to the South Bank in November, co-directed by Marianne Elliott and Miranda Cromwell. Conceived by Jerome Robbins (Gypsy), this new production uses his original choreography, reproduced and adapted by Julio Monge, who was artistic collaborator and consultant on Steven Spielberg's acclaimed 2021 film adaptation.

The Adeyemis – A Family Saga

Winter 2027

Three-time Emmy-winning actor Uzo Aduba makes her National Theatre debut in this new epic family drama by British Nigerian writer Oladipo Agboluaje and directed by Lucian Msamati. Drawing on Agboluaje’s acclaimed 1997 work Iya-Ile –The First Wife, this new play expands the story, following the fortunes of a wealthy but troubled clan through a turbulent period in Nigeria's recent history.

Coming to National Theatre in 2027