The National Theatre has revealed an electrifying and star-studded lineup for its 2026 season, with a strong emphasis on female-led productions and high-profile talent. Artistic director Indhu Rubasingham, the first woman and first person of colour to lead the institution, has curated a programme that promises to "theatrically explode" while drawing in audiences with big names.
Major Stars Take Centre Stage
Three of the most prominent figures in the 2026 roster are Cate Blanchett, Sandra Oh, and Letitia Wright, each bringing their unique talents to the Southbank stage. Sandra Oh, celebrated for her roles in Killing Eve and Grey's Anatomy, will make her National Theatre debut in a fresh adaptation of Molière's classic social satire, The Misanthrope. This production will be directed by Rubasingham herself, who also serves as the theatre's joint chief executive.
Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett teams up with German actor Nina Hoss for an ambitious and experimental show that merges Sophocles' ancient myth Electra with Ingmar Bergman's iconic film Persona. Directed by Benedict Andrews, this fusion promises to challenge theatrical conventions and offer a unique narrative experience.
British Talent and Diverse Productions
British stars are also well-represented in the lineup. Letitia Wright will lead in Tracey Scott Wilson's newsroom thriller The Story, under the direction of Clint Dyer. Lesley Manville joins an adaptation of Les Liaisons Dangereuses at the Lyttleton Theatre in spring, while Francesca Mills takes on a role in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, scheduled to open in December.
This focus on high-profile casting has sparked some debate within the industry. Nadine Rennie, co-chair of the Casting Directors' Guild, has criticised star-casting as potentially "killing" the theatre sector by disadvantaging mid-scale venues and undermining audience engagement. However, Rubasingham remains unapologetic about her strategy to create an agenda-setting programme that also ensures strong ticket sales.
Rubasingham's Vision for the National Theatre
Indhu Rubasingham, who grew up in Mansfield and studied drama at the University of Hull, brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at the Kiln Theatre. There, she oversaw successful productions like Florian Zeller's Family Trilogy and Zadie Smith's The Wife of Willesden. She has expressed confidence in her new position, stating that while the scale is larger, the core principles remain the same: programming shows that sell tickets and crafting a compelling narrative.
Rubasingham's vision for the National Theatre is one of boldness and innovation. She aims to celebrate a wide range of talent, from emerging voices to international collaborators, creating work that surprises and challenges audiences. In her own words, "Bringing this range of exhilarating productions to audiences in the UK and around the globe is what the National Theatre is all about."
Additional Highlights and Returning Favourites
The 2026 season will also feature the return of the beloved production War Horse, which premiered in 2007. As it approaches its 20th anniversary, the show will have a run at the Olivier Theatre on the Southbank in May, following an extensive tour. Furthermore, two Broadway transfers will grace the National's stages: Robert Hastie's Hamlet and Alexander Zeldin's The Other Place, offering British audiences a taste of acclaimed American theatre.
Overall, the National Theatre's 2026 lineup reflects a commitment to artistic risk-taking and inclusivity, blending established stars with innovative storytelling to create a dynamic and engaging season for theatre-goers.
