Two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett will lead the National Theatre’s 2026 season, starring alongside Nina Hoss and Ella Lily Hyland in a new production titled Electra / Persona this August. Directed by Benedict Andrews, the show combines Sophocles’ ancient tragedy Electra with Ingmar Bergman’s iconic 1966 film Persona, creating a groundbreaking theatrical experience that spans over two millennia of storytelling.
Debut Performances and Revivals Highlight the Season
The 2026 lineup also introduces Sandra Oh, known for her role in Killing Eve, making her National Theatre debut in a reimagined version of Molière’s The Misanthrope. This production will feature Paul Chahidi and Abigail Cruttenden, with the character Alceste reinvented as a woman, offering a fresh perspective on the classic social satire from June.
Joining the season is Letitia Wright, famed for her work in Black Panther, who will lead alongside Aliyah Odoffin, Wilf Scolding, Ashley Thomas, and Lorraine Toussaint in a revival of Tracey Scott Wilson’s newsroom thriller The Story. Directed by National Theatre associate artist Clint Dyer, previews begin in August.
Lesley Manville of The Crown fame will star opposite Aidan Turner from Rivals in a significant revival of the provocative play Les Liaisons Dangereuses during spring. Additionally, Francesca Mills will headline a new production of Jim Cartwright’s The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice.
Returning Classics and International Highlights
As it approaches its 20th anniversary, the acclaimed adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse will return to the National Theatre in May. Adapted by Nick Stafford, this production has won over 25 major awards, including a Tony Award for Best Play, and has attracted audiences exceeding 8.8 million worldwide.
The schedule also features the UK premiere of the praised Portuguese play Catarina And The Beauty Of Killing Fascists, set for a limited one-week run in September.
Expanding its reach, the National Theatre will support two international transfers to Broadway and two nationwide tours. Among them is last year’s adaptation of Bacchae by Nima Taleghani, which will tour schools across England this autumn in a nine-week campaign aimed at bringing theatre to every child before they leave school.
Global Ambitions and Celebrations Ahead
Next year, the National Theatre will commemorate 60 years of Broadway performances by transferring two plays to New York: Robert Hastie’s Hamlet and Alexander Zeldin’s The Other Place. This milestone reflects the institution’s dedication to sharing British theatre with global audiences.
Leadership Perspectives on the 2026 Season’s Vision
Indhu Rubasingham, director and co-chief executive of the National Theatre, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming year:
“I can’t wait to dive into this year with an extraordinary group of emerging and world-renowned artists coming to the National Theatre, many for the first time. From bold new voices to international collaborators, this is a year that celebrates the full breadth of talent on our stages and behind the scenes. It’s a privilege to stage work that theatrically explodes, surprises and challenges us to see the world anew. Bringing this range of exhilarating productions to audiences in the UK and around the globe is what the National Theatre is all about.” – Indhu Rubasingham, Director and Co-Chief Executive
Kate Varah, executive director and co-chief executive, highlighted the theatre’s expanding outreach:
“Our 2026 season is about sharing stories locally, nationally and globally. In a new commitment to take productions straight from our stages to partner theatres across the country, we will undertake a major nationwide tour of The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice starring the captivating Francesca Mills. As we gear up to celebrate 60 years of working in the US next year, I’m thrilled we are transferring two vital and resonant pieces of theatre to New York – Robert Hastie’s Hamlet and Alexander Zeldin’s The Other Place, with more shows in the pipeline. We are so proud to be sharing with audiences in New York a range of impactful stories showcasing the best of British theatre. In this way, along with our growing digital footprint, we are opening doors in the UK and around the world like never before.” – Kate Varah, Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive
Artistic Excellence and Broader Access Remain Core Goals
The National Theatre’s 2026 season reinforces its commitment to artistic innovation, wide accessibility, and cultural exchange on a global scale. By combining celebrated talent like Cate Blanchett with international collaborations and community-focused tours, the theatre continues to expand its reach and influence in the performing arts world.
