The National Theatre has officially announced its landmark 2027 season, presenting a powerhouse line-up of 18 productions including eight world premieres and major classic revivals. Designed to bring world-class drama to audiences across London, the UK, and globally, the upcoming year balances politically charged new writing with star-studded revivals across its iconic South Bank stages.
Leading the charge in the Olivier Theatre is Major, a compelling new political drama by James Graham (Dear England). Reuniting with director Jeremy Herrin after their triumph with This House, Graham tackles the high-stakes moment John Major succeeded Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister. Following this, National Theatre Director Indhu Rubasingham collaborates with writer Moira Buffini on The Great Indaba, dramatising the pivotal 1998 South African meeting that helped secure the Good Friday Agreement.
Music lovers will look forward to Glorious Madness in the Dorfman Theatre, an original new British musical featuring the legendary catalogue of Grammy and Brit Award-winner Joan Armatrading, with a book by Iman Qureshi and directed by Phyllida Lloyd (MAMMA MIA!). Later in the year, the Olivier will host a sweeping revival of the classic Broadway musical West Side Story, co-directed by Marianne Elliott and Miranda Cromwell, featuring Jerome Robbins' original choreography adapted by Julio Monge.
Star power remains a major draw for the 2027 season. Paul Mescal returns to the stage to lead a dual-show repertory season in the Lyttelton Theatre, starring as Biff Loman in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman alongside Ciarán Hinds and Monica Dolan, and in Tom Murphy’s Irish masterpiece A Whistle in the Dark. Meanwhile, Emilia Clarke makes her National Theatre debut in a revival of David Hare’s Plenty, directed by former NT Director Richard Eyre. Elsewhere, Emma Corrin and Harriet Walter star in Tennessee Williams’ rarely performed Suddenly Last Summer, directed by Michael Grandage.
Marking the 50th anniversary of the NT's brutalist South Bank home, immersive pioneers Punchdrunk return with Ghostlight, curated by Lucy Kirkwood. Combined with extensive UK touring and digital streaming via National Theatre at Home, 2027 promises an extraordinary celebration of international storytelling.
