(AGENPARL) – mar 24 settembre 2024 Tuesday 24 September 2024
Production information
NATIONAL THEATRE ANNOUNCES RUFUS NORRIS’ FINAL SEASON
FOUR WORLD PREMIERES, TWO NATIONAL TRANSFERS AND AN
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION ANNOUNCED
Today the National Theatre announces upcoming programming with nine productions that will
play on the National Theatre’s South Bank stages, with UK transfers to The Lowry in Salford and
Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.
Tickets for Alterations, Here We Are, London Road and Nye will be on general sale from
Wednesday 16 October 2024.
Tickets for Dear England now on sale.
On sale for Inter Alia, The Estate, The Land of the Living and End to be announced.
For more information visit nationaltheatre.org.uk.
Olivier Theatre
Dear England
Playing in the Olivier theatre from March 2025 will be the previously announced return of James
Graham’s (Punch, Sherwood) Olivier Award-winning play Dear England, directed by Almeida
Theatre’s Artistic Director, Rupert Goold (Patriots, Cold War). Telling the story of the England
men’s football team under Gareth Southgate, with Graham updating his epic examination of
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nation and game to reflect Southgate’s final chapter as England Manager. Dear England will
also have a four-week run at its Theatre Nation Partner, The Lowry, in Salford.
Director Rupert Goold will be joined by set designer Es Devlin, costume designer Evie Gurney,
lighting designer Jon Clark, co-movement directors Ellen Kane and Hannes Langolf, video
designer Ash J Woodward, co-sound designers Dan Balfour and Tom Gibbons, additional
music Max Perryment, revival director Elin Schofield, casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor,
dialect coach Richard Ryder, voice coaches Cathleen McCarron and Tamsin Newlands and
staff director Connie Treves.
Casting to be announced.
Playing in the Olivier theatre from 10 March to 24 May 2025, press performance on Tuesday 18
March 2025, 7pm, and playing at the Lowry, in Salford, from 29 May until 29 June 2025.
London Road
In June, the National Theatre welcomes the return of the innovative musical London Road with
book and lyrics by Alecky Blythe (Our Generation) and music and lyrics by Adam Cork
(Leopoldstadt), directed by Rufus Norris (Nye). In autumn 2006, the everyday life of the Suffolk
town of Ipswich is shattered by the discovery of the bodies of five women. The occupant of No.
79 London Road is arrested, charged and finally convicted of the murders. Caught in the
headlines and the invasion of their quiet road, the community grapples with what it means to be
at the epicentre of the tragedy. Originally developed and performed at the National Theatre in
2011, London Road uses their own words set to an innovative musical score. London Road will
also be captured for a future streaming release on National Theatre at Home.
Directed by Rufus Norris with set and costume designer Katrina Lindsay, music director David
Shrubsole, movement director Javier De Frutos, sound designer Paul Arditti, orchestrations
Adam Cork, original casting director Wendy Spon CDG, with additional casting by Bryony
Jarvis-Taylor.
Casting to be announced.
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Playing in the Olivier theatre from 5 June to 21 June 2025, press performance on Thursday 12
June 2025, 7pm.
Returning to the Olivier theatre from July 2025 is Nye, Tim Price’s (Teh Internet is Serious
Business) epic Welsh fantasia charting the life of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan and his battle to create the
NHS. From campaigning at the coalfield to leading the battle to create the NHS, Aneurin ‘Nye’
Bevan is often referred to as the politician with greatest influence on our country without ever
being Prime Minister. Confronted with death, Nye’s deepest memories lead him on a mindbending journey back through his life; from childhood to mining underground, Parliament and
fights with Churchill. Michael Sheen (Under Milk Wood) returns to play Nye Bevan, directed by
Rufus Norris (Small Island) in a co-production with Wales Millennium Centre.
Director Rufus Norris leads a creative team including set designer Vicki Mortimer, costume
designer Kinnetia Isidore, lighting designer Paule Constable, co-choreographers Steven
Hoggett and Jess Williams, composer Will Stuart, sound designer Donato Wharton,
projection designer Jon Driscoll, revival co-director Francesca Goodridge, casting by Alastair
Coomer CDG and Chloe Blake, dialect coach Patricia Logue, voice coaches Cathleen
McCarron and Tamsin Newlands, consultant medical advisor Matt Morgan and associate
lighting designer Lucy Adams
Further casting to be announced.
Playing in the Olivier theatre from 3 July to 16 August 2025, press performance on Thursday 10
July 2025, 7pm, and playing at the Wales Millennium Centre’s Donald Gordon Theatre from 22
to 30 August 2025.
A National Theatre co-production with Wales Millennium Centre.
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Lyttelton Theatre
Alterations
From February, Bush Theatre Artistic Director Lynette Linton (Blues for an Alabama Sky,
Shifters) returns to the National Theatre. Linton will direct the first revival in 40 years of Guyanaborn British writer Michael Abbensetts’ (Sweet Talk, Empire Road), era-defining comedy
Alterations, with additional material by writer Trish Cooke (Black Street Mammy). Alterations
illuminates the Guyanese experience of 1970s London. Part of the Black Plays Archive, an online
catalogue of the first professional production in the UK of plays written by Black British, African,
and Caribbean playwrights based at the National Theatre. Walker Holt has big dreams for his
tailor’s shop, and an even bigger order to complete. Over the course of 24 hours, he must work
tirelessly to satisfy his new client’s impossible tailoring needs. But as the night goes on, it’s not just
the trouser hems that start to fray, as tensions rise, and Walker’s friendships and relationships
are pushed to their limits. His success comes at a cost, but what price is he willing to pay? Initial
casting includes Arinzé Kene (Get Up, Stand Up: The Bob Marley Story) making his National
Theatre debut and Cherrelle Skeete (Hanna).
Joining director Lynette Linton will be set and costume designer Frankie Bradshaw, lighting
designer Oliver Fenwick, movement director Shelley Maxwell, composer Duramaney
Kamara, sound designer George Dennis, Wigs, Hair and Make-up Designer Cynthia De La
Rosa, fight director Kate Waters, casting Alastair Coomer CDG and Naomi Downham, and
associate set and costume designer Natalie Johnson.
Further casting to be announced.
Playing in the Lyttelton theatre from 20 February to 5 April 2025, press performance on
Thursday 27 February 2025, 7pm.
Here We Are
After receiving its world premiere in New York in 2023, Here We Are, the final musical by the
legendary Stephen Sondheim (Follies) with a book by Tony Award-nominee David Ives (All in
the Timing/Venus in Fur) will have its UK premiere in a new production in the Lyttelton theatre
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from April 2025. Inspired by two of Luis Buñuel’s iconic films, this unmissable musical comedy
had a sold-out New York run and is directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello
(WICKED /Assassins).
Leo and Marianne Brink have found the ideal spot to take their friends. With great reviews,
impeccable service and an extensive menu it seems like nothing could go wrong. But after a
series of strange events interrupt their meal, they soon realise they’ve bitten off more than they
can chew. Cast will include Tracie Bennett (Follies) and Denis O’Hare (Tartuffe), who reprise
their roles from the original production in New York, and Rory Kinnear (No Time to Die) who will
join this new production in London.
Director Joe Mantello will stage a new production with set and costume designer David Zinn,
choreographer Sam Pinkleton, orchestrations Jonathan Tunick, additional arrangements
Alexander Gemignani, conductor Nigel Lilley, lighting designer Natasha Katz, sound designer
Tom Gibbons and casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor.
Further casting to be announced,
Playing in the Lyttelton theatre from 23 April to 28 June 2025, press performance Thursday 8
May 2025, 7pm.
A Tom Kirdahy, Sue Wagner, John Johnson and The Stephen Sondheim Trust production,
co-produced with the National Theatre.
Inter Alia
Next summer in the Lyttelton, the team behind Prima Facie, writer Suzie Miller and director
Justin Martin, reunite for the world premiere of Inter Alia. Rosamund Pike (Saltburn) makes her
National Theatre debut as an eminent High Court Judge forced to reckon her professional life
and role as wife, mother, friend and feminist.
Director Justin Martin is joined by set and costume designer Miriam Buether, lighting designer
Natasha Chivers and sound designers Ben and Max Ringham.
Further casting to be announced.
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Playing in the Lyttelton theatre in summer 2025, dates to be announced.
Dorfman Theatre
As previously announced, the Dorfman theatre will close temporarily from mid-November 2024
for urgent infrastructure work, reopening in June 2025 with the 30th anniversary of
Connections.
The Estate
This will be followed in July by the world premiere of The Estate written by Shaan Sahota and
directed by Daniel Raggett (Accidental Death of an Anarchist). An ambitious politician has
sights set on Number 10, but his father’s death brings questions about the family estate to the
fore. Casting includes Adeel Akhtar (Fool Me Once).
Director Daniel Raggett is joined by set designer Chloe Lamford, lighting designer Jessica
Hung Han Yun and sound designer Mike Winship.
Further casting to be announced.
In the Dorfman theatre summer 2025, dates to be announced.
The Land of the Living
In September 2025, the Dorfman theatre will host the world premiere of The Land of the Living
by former Young Vic Artistic Director David Lan, which tells the story of displaced children after
World War II. Directed by Stephen Daldry (An Inspector Calls), the cast includes Juliet
Stevenson (The Doctor).
Director Stephen Daldry will be joined by set designer Miriam Buether and composer Paul
Englishby.
Further casting to be announced.
In the Dorfman theatre autumn 2025, dates to be announced.
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From November 2025 in the Dorfman will be the world premiere of End, a new play by David
Eldridge (Beginning, Middle), the concluding part of his trilogy commissioned by Rufus Norris
during his tenure. Directed by Lyric Hammersmith Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan (Romeo
and Julie).
Director Rachel O’Riordan will be joined by set and costume designer Gary McCann, lighting
designer Sally Ferguson and sound designer Donato Wharton.
Casting to be announced.
In the Dorfman theatre winter 2025, dates to be announced.
National Theatre Learning
Nationwide Secondary School’s Tour: The LeftBehinds
Following last year’s secondary schools tour of Jekyll & Hyde, which reached 10,000 young
people nationwide, at the start of 2025 the National Theatre will return to schools with a tour of
The LeftBehinds, a new play co-created by Bristol playwright Ross Willis and director Ned
Bennett. In a post-apocalyptic future, the LeftBehinds must race across a desolate wasteland in
a high-octane quest to rebuild an android, unlock its power and save the planet. This new play
will embark on a national tour, visiting secondary school halls in 11 areas nationwide across ten
weeks in partnership with local theatres.
Theatre Nation Partnerships Tour: Handbagged
As part of our nationwide Theatre Nation Partnerships network to build and sustain audiences
for theatre across England, Moira Buffini’s political comedy Handbagged, directed by Alex
Thorpe and produced by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, will open at Queen’s Theatre
Hornchurch and tour to 12 theatres nationwide from February 2025.
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Connections 30th Anniversary
In June 2025, Connections, the National Theatre’s annual nationwide youth theatre
programme, celebrates its 30th anniversary. Connections has reached over 125,000 young
people and the impact and legacy of the three decades is clear to see through the alumni of the
festival which include Rose Ayling-Ellis, Callum Scott Howells, Keira Knightley and David
Oyelowo, who plays the eponymous role in Coriolanus, opening tonight in the Olivier theatre,
alongside leading figures in business and industry.
By giving young people experience on all aspects of staging and performing a new play, they
develop truly transferable skills and the ability to think creatively which is vital for any career path.
Playwrights who have been commissioned to write Connections plays over the last three
decades include Alice Birch, Chris Bush, James Graham and Lenny Henry to name a few.
Public Acts: Public Record in Sunderland
As part of the National Theatre’s Public Acts programme that creates extraordinary acts of
theatre and community, a new production Public Record will celebrate the people and music of
Sunderland. In partnership with Sunderland Culture and Sunderland Empire, the piece is being
developed in collaboration with community members and will feature an array of inspirational
artists and musicians who represent the breadth of Sunderland’s rich cultural identity. The
creative team includes Director of Public Acts Emily Lim, co-director and choreographer Dan
Canham and composer and musical director Ross Millard. The production will take place from
25 to 27 April 2025 at The Fire Station in Sunderland.
For images click here
Production
Theatre
Dates
Press Night
Secondary Schools Nationwide
January – March N/A
Tour:
The schools tour
Press Contact
Orla Bentley
LeftBehinds
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Theatre
Nation
Nationwide
February N/A
Rhian Bennett
Lyttelton
20 February – 5 Thu
theatre
April 2025
Olivier
10 March – 24 May Tue 18 March Emily Ritchie
Partnerships Tour:
Handbagged
Alterations
Dear England
theatre & The 2025
Feb James Lever
Lowry,
Salford
Here We Are
Lyttelton
23 April – 28 June Thu 08 May James Lever
theatre
25 – 27 April 2025
Rhian Bennett
June 2025
Rhian Bennett
5 – 21 June 2025
Thu 12 June Emily Ritchie
Public Acts: Public The Fire
Record
Station,
Sunderland
Connections 30th Dorfman
Anniversary
theatre
London Road
Olivier
theatre
Olivier
3 July – 16 August Thu
July James Lever
theatre
Emily Ritchie
James Lever
Emily Ritchie
& Wales
Millenium
Centre,
Cardiff
Inter Alia
Lyttelton
theatre
The Estate
Dorfman
theatre
The Land of the Dorfman
Living
theatre
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Dorfman
James Lever
theatre
With thanks
Dear England
The commissioning of this production was supported by the Sir Peter Shaffer Charitable
Foundation. The original production at the National Theatre was generously supported by the
Dear England Team of Production Champions.
This original production at the National Theatre was supported by the Huo Family Foundation
and Rosetrees Trust. The commissioning of this play was generously supported by the Sir Peter
Shaffer Charitable Foundation. This play is a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Plays
Award.
The Estate
The commissioning of this play was generously supported by the Sir Peter Shaffer Charitable
Foundation.
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Nationaltheatre.org.uk/amex/
Supported by American Express, the National Theatre’s Official Payment Partner.
National Theatre Learning
The Mohn Westlake Foundation supports nationwide Learning programmes for young people.
Nationwide learning is supported by Buffini Chao Foundation, Clore Duffield Foundation, Crevan
O’Grady & Jane McClenahan, MFPA Trust Fund for the Training of Disabled Children in the Arts,
The Kartik Foundation, Behrens Foundation, Marlow Trust, Cleopatra Trust, and The Andor
Charitable Trust.
Secondary Schools Tour
Secondary Schools Touring is supported by The Mohn Westlake Foundation, Delta Air Lines,
The Ingram Trust, The Constance Travis Charitable Trust, Susan Miller & Byron Grote, The
Anthony and Elizabeth Mellows Charitable Settlement, The Britford Bridge Trust, William A.
Cadbury Charitable Trust and The Dow Clewer Foundation.
Connections
BNP Paribas are Headline Partner of Connections 2025. Connections is supported by The Mohn
Westlake Foundation, Buffini Chao Foundation, The EBM Charitable Trust, Andrew Lloyd
Webber Foundation, Katie Bradford Arts Trust, Susan Miller & Byron Grote, Mulberry Trust,
Tuixen Foundation, Rigby Foundation, The Peter Cundill Foundation, The Woodward Charitable
Trust, The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, The Golsoncott Foundation and The John Thaw
Foundation.
Public Acts
Public Acts is supported by Arts Council England’s Strategic Touring Fund, Esmée Fairbairn
Foundation, The CareTech Charitable Foundation, The Mosawi Foundation, and Susan Miller &
Byron Grote.
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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.
For more information, please visit nationaltheatre.org.uk
@NationalTheatre
@NT_PressOffice
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