(AGENPARL) – Wed 16 July 2025 Image
Wednesday 16 July 2025
FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR BACCHAE,
INDHU RUBASINGHAM’S INUAGRAL PRODUCTION AT THE NATIONAL THEATRE
HEARTSTOPPER’S NIMA TALEGANI TO BE THE FIRST WRITER TO HAVE A DEBUT PLAY STAGED IN THE OLIVIER THEARE
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Previously announced casting also includes Melanie-Joyce Bermudez, Ebony Clarke, Natasha Gooden, Sam Jenkins-Shaw, Kate Ivory Jordan, James McArdle, Arethajay McEwen, Clare Perkins, Ukweli Roach, Fi Silverthorn, Simon Startin and Jessey Stol.  
They are joined by Roman Asde, Elèna Gyasi, Reuben Johnson, Tyreke Leslie, Natasha Magigi, Ellie McKay, Ellie-May Sheridan, Sharon Small, Anna Russell-Martin and Amanda Wilkin.
Speaking about her inaugural production, National Theatre Director and Co-CEO Indhu Rubasingham said:
‘I can’t wait to get into the rehearsal room and create my first show as Director of the National Theatre, beginning this new chapter. Nima’s energetic retelling of Euripides’ ancient tragedy is an exhilarating debut play, that will fill the amphitheatre of the Olivier with spoken word and rhyme. Bacchae will be a riot of words, music and movement, designed by Robert Jones, choreographed by Kate Prince and with an original score by DJ Walde. I am proud to be directing such a wonderful company, which includes my longtime collaborator Clare Perkins as well as James McArdle, Ukweli Roach and Sharon Small. This spirit of reinvention and telling ancient stories with a modern voice has long been a part of the National Theatre and we look forward to welcoming audiences both old and new.’
The Bacchae aren’t standing on the sidelines whilst the men have all the fun. These fangirls may be a pack, but they’re not animals… they are stage-storming powerhouses ready to cause chaos in Thebes. Whilst the Bacchae maraud in the mountains, their god Dionysos is taking part in his own f*cked-up family Olympics. He’s here to bring down his cousin King Pentheus. All to prove to the chorus of women that he’s more than just the god of rhyme, wine and a good time.  
Director Indhu Rubasingham is joined by set and costume designer Robert Jones, choreographer Kate Prince, lighting designer Oliver Fenwick, composer DJ Walde, sound designers Ben and Max Ringham, fight director Kate Waters, casting directors Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG and Martin Poile CDG, voice and dialect coach Hazel Holder, associate director Hannah Hauer-King, associate set and costume designer Natalie Johnson, associate choreographer Ajani Johnson-Goffe and dramaturgy by Jeanie O’Hare.
Playing in the National Theatre’s Olivier theatre from 13 September to 1 November 2025, press performance on Wednesday 24 September 2025, 7pm.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Show
Theatre
Dates
Press Night
Press Office Contact
Bacchae
Olivier theatre
13 September – 1 November 2025
Wednesday 24 September 2025
Assisted performances of Bacchae at the National Theatre:
Captioned Performances: Wednesday 1 October 2025 – 7.30pm, Saturday 25 October 2025 – 2.30pm.
BSL Interpreted: Saturday 18 October 2025 – 2.30pm.
Audio described (preceded by a Touch Tour 90 minutes before the performance start time): Saturday 4 October 2025 – 2.30pm, Friday 24 October 2025 – 7.30pm.
Relaxed Performance: Monday 27 October 2025 – 7.30pm
With thanks
This production is supported by Dasha A. Epstein and Marcia B. Whitaker.
About the National Theatre
The National Theatre makes theatre that entertains and inspires using its creativity, expertise and unique reach. The National Theatre shares unforgettable stories with millions of audience members across the UK and around the world – on its own stages, on tour, in schools, on cinema screens and streaming at home.  
World-leading artists make their best work at the National Theatre with the widest possible audience and impact. The National Theatre invests in talent and innovation on stage and off, taking seriously its role as the nation’s theatre. Of the new productions developed each year with a wide range of theatre companies, a third of that research and development resource is dedicated to shows staged at theatres outside London.  
Through touring our work to local theatres and schools and nationwide education and community programmes, we are active in every local authority in the UK. A registered charity with deeply embedded social purpose, the National Theatre works with hundreds of schools and communities across the UK to fire imagination and inspire creativity, and to develop skills and pathways for careers in theatre.  
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