This week the National Theatre’s new creative director Indhu Rubasingham revealed the theatre’s upcoming lineup of shows. There’s an exciting year ahead with major classics coming back to the National stage alongside brand-new works, plus a slew of big-name actors will be treading the boards in the South Bank.
A whopping 16 new productions have now been announced, including 9 world premieres and a season of repertory theatre, while stars scheduled to perform include Monica Barbaro, Nicola Coughlan, Paul Mescal, Letitia Wright, Aidan Turner and James McArdle.
Indhu Rubasingham directs Nima Taleghani’s (Heartstopper) exciting new version of Euripides’ ultimate tragedy. Brought to life through rhythm, movement and music, the play promises to be a part verse, part spoken-word reworking of this ancient Greek classic. Showing 13 Sep to 1 Nov 2025.
Shakespeare is back at the National, with Hamlet returning for the first-time in 15 years. Taking on one of the most iconic roles in theatre is Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi, The Father and the Assassin) playing Hamlet in what is described as “a fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy”. Showing 25 Sep to 22 Nov 2025.
Caitriona McLaughlin directs a revival of John Millington Synge’s riveting story about a young man who turns a village on its head by walking into a pub and claiming he has killed someone. Instead of being shunned, the killer becomes a local hero, until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene… Showing 4 Dec 2025 to 28 Feb 2026.
An exciting and eclectic roster of productions are scheduled to come to the theatre in 2026 and 2027. Expect some frenzied queues for tickets when the dates are announced for the following:
The Jungle Book
Audiences will be transported into the jungle as the Olivier is transformed for this timeless classic tale of family, courage and loyalty, directed by Indhu Rubasingham.
The Story
Letitia Wright makes her National Theatre debut in this examination of racial politics and journalistic ethics, inspired by real events. Directed by National Theatre Associate, Clint Dyer.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses
Marianne Elliott directs a major revival of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ epistolary novel, starring Monica Barbaro, Lesley Manville and Aidan Turner.
A Whistle in the Dark
In the first of two 20th Century classics playing in a repertory season, Paul Mescal makes his National Theatre debut directed by Caitríona McLaughlin.
Death of a Salesman
Alternating with A Whistle in the Dark, Paul Mescal leads the repertory company in the second of the National Theatre’s 20th Century classics, directed by Rebecca Frecknall.
Cloud 9
Director Dominic Cooke reunites with multi-award-winning playwright Caryl Churchill to direct the play, which examines the complexities of identity and change.
The Authenticator
A new play by award-winning playwright Winsome Pinnock. Directed by National Theatre Associate, Miranda Cromwell, The Authenticator is a political, funny and theatrical take on Britain past and present.
Samira
Originally commissioned by Kiln Theatre, Samira by Carmen Nasr is a play inspired by real events, that explores themes of authenticity, political upheaval and identity, focusing on a young Syrian blogger who is not all that she seems.
P&P Productions presents PRIDE
A brand-new musical based on the award-winning film. Reuniting director Matthew Warchus and writer Stephen Beresford, PRIDE is inspired by the true story of how a group of lesbian and gay activists joined the miners’ strike campaign of 1984.
Man and Boy
Approaching 50 years since the death of writer Terence Rattigan, Man and Boy sees Director Anthony Lau make his National Theatre debut, with Ben Daniels leading the cast.
Punchdrunk
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of groundbreaking immersive company Punchdrunk, National Theatre has commissioned a new piece of work which will be seen in the Dorfman in 2027.
Stormzy
Stay tuned for news of a very exciting new collaboration with multi-Brit Award-winning artist Stormzy, in a world premiere production. The exact concept and dates are still under wraps, but according to The Standard "insiders suggest the project will fuse contemporary music with classical storytelling traditions when it premieres in 2026".
For his part, Stormzy has said, "I've been quietly falling in love with theatre for years. There's a raw power in live performance that mirrors what we do in music. Working with Indhu and the National team feels like the perfect way to explore that creatively." Watch this space!
