Lots of updates coming from the South Bank today after the National Theatre’s press conference earlier this month when artistic director Rufus Norris unveiled programming plans for 2018. Today, further dates and casting for many of those productions are announced. Highlights include:
- Tickets go on sale for Rufus Norris’ Macbeth, with Rory Kinnear and Anne-Marie Duff, part of the Travelex Season with thousands of tickets available at £15
- Cast announced for world premiere of The Great Wave, a co-production with the Tricycle Theatre, directed by Indhu Rubasingham
- Full cast announced for UK premiere of Annie Baker’s John, directed by James Macdonald
- 30 years after the play’s rediscovery, Absolute Hell returns to the National in a new production directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins
- Further cast announced for the revival of Amadeus
- Tickets on sale for Justin Audibert’s new production of The Winter’s Tale for primary schools
New productions go on sale to the public from 21 November 2017.
In the Olivier
MACBETH by William Shakespeare
Previews from 26 February, press night 6 March, on sale until 12 May with further performances to be announced
The ruined aftermath of a bloody civil war. Ruthlessly fighting to survive, the Macbeths are propelled towards the crown by forces of elemental darkness. Shakespeare’s most intense and terrifying tragedy is directed by Rufus Norris 25 years after his last Shakespeare production. Rory Kinnear and Anne-Marie Duff play Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Set design by Rae Smith, costume design by Moritz Junge, lighting design byJames Farncombe and sound design by Paul Arditti.
Hundreds of Travelex tickets available for every performance at £15.
Broadcast live as part of NT Live to cinemas worldwide on 10 May.
In the Lyttelton
ABSOLUTE HELL by Rodney Ackland
Previews from 18 April, press night 25 April, on sale until 23 May with further performances to be announced
Bomb-blasted London. A Soho den in the hangover from World War II, where members drink into the darkness, night after night. Lying, fighting and seducing, these lost souls and bruised lovers struggle from the rubble of war towards an unknown future.
Rodney Ackland’s extraordinarily provocative play was condemned as ‘a libel on the British people’ when first performed in 1952. Now it emerges as an intoxicating plunge into post-war Soho; full of despair and longing. Joe Hill-Gibbins returns to the NT to direct a large ensemble in this new production.
Set design by Lizzie Clachan, with costumes designed by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting by Jon Clark, movement by Jenny Ogilvie, sound by Paul Arditti and the music director is Harvey Brough.
In the Dorfman
JOHN by Annie Baker
Previews from 17 January, press night 24 January in repertoire until 3 March
The week after Thanksgiving. A bed and breakfast in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. A cheerful host welcomes a young couple struggling to salvage their relationship, while thousands of inanimate objects look on.
An uncanny new play by Annie Baker, whose Pulitzer Prize-winning The Flick had a sold-out run at the National in 2016. James Macdonald directs the European premiere. Full cast includes Marylouise Burke, Tom Mothersdale, Anneika Rose and June Watson.
Design by Chloe Lamford, lighting design by Peter Mumford and sound design by Christopher Shutt.
THE GREAT WAVE a new play by Francis Turnly
a co-production with the Tricycle Theatre
Previews from 10 March, press night 19 March, playing until 14 April
On a Japanese beach, teenage sisters Hanako and Reiko are caught up in a storm. Reiko survives while Hanako is lost to the sea. Their mother, however, can’t shake the feeling that her missing daughter is still alive, and soon family tragedy takes on a global political dimension. Set in Japan and North Korea, Francis Turnly’s epic new thriller is directed by Artistic Director of the Tricycle Theatre Indhu Rubasingham in a co-production with the Tricycle Theatre.
Cast includes Kae Alexander, Rosalind Chao, Tuyen Do, Vincent Lai, Kwong Loke, Frances Mayli McCann, Kirsty Rider, Leo Wan and David Yip. Design by Tom Piper, video design by Luke Halls, lighting design by Oliver Fenwick, music by David Shrubsole, sound design by Alex Caplen, movement direction by Polly Bennett and fight direction by Kev McCurdy.
Rosalind Chao is appearing with the support of UK Equity, incorporating the Variety Artistes’ Federation, pursuant to an exchange programme between American Equity and UK Equity.
NINE NIGHT a new play by Natasha Gordon
Previews from 21 April, press night 30 April, playing until 25 May
Gloria is gravely sick. When her time comes, the celebration begins; the traditional Jamaican Nine Night Wake. But for Gloria’s children and grandchildren, marking her death with a party that lasts over a week is a test. Nine nights of music, food, sharing stories – and an endless parade of mourners.
Natasha Gordon’s debut play Nine Night is a touching and very funny exploration of the rituals of family. Roy Alexander Weise directs a cast including Franc Ashman, Oliver Alvin-Wilson, Rebekah Murrell and Cecilia Noble, with further casting to be announced. Design by Rajha Shakiry. Unallocated seating now available, more tickets released in January.
