Amaka Okafor News

We begin and end with a grisly decapitation. And that's rather the problem with this intermittently engaging Macbeth, which starts in the throes of some unspecified dystopian hellscape, and thus has nowhere to go. 

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.

London is never short of temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From Shakespeare and Tennessee Williams to a new epic and a lush romance, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld reviews, interviews and features!

New casting announced for the new National Theatre season. Full cast has been announced for Brian Friel's Translations including Colin Morgan and Ciaran Hinds, part of the Travelex season with thousands of tickets available at £15. Eric Kofi Abrefa and Thalissa Teixeira join Vanessa Kirby in the cast of Julie, part of the Travelex season with thousands of tickets available at £15. Sam Mendes directs The Lehman Trilogy, a co-production with Neal Street Productions, cast includes Adam Godley, Ben Miles and Simon Russell Beale. Full casting is announced for the award winning An Octoroon by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, transferring to the National Theatre in a co-production with the Orange Tree Theatre. The NT will tour to 30 venues in 27 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland, for a total of 83 playing weeks over the next year. Rufus Norris' Macbeth to tour to 18 venues across the UK and Ireland from autumn 2018. War Horse returns to the National Theatre marking the centenary of Armistice Day.

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.

Additional performances for Rufus Norris' production of Macbeth will go on sale on to the public on 26 January. The production will now play until 23 June, with all performances currently on sale sold out.

Chloe Lamford and Sam Pritchard have collaborated on a piece that perplexes and entices. This was my first visit to The Site, (the exterior space located across from the stage door), and I was amazed by its capability to totally transport you from the streets of Sloane Square, into the world of an unnamed American city, where strange things are occurring.

Dates and casting have announced for new National Theatre season!

Saint George and the Dragon is a story you likely heard as a child. 'He's a picture in a storybook,' notes one of the characters, 'But that's not who we are anymore'. Neither is the audience at the National Theatre. Harking back to a golden age of storytelling, Saint George and the Dragon falls on deaf ears. Laden with heavy exposition, Rory Mullarkey's play tells but does not show.

Into the story walks George: wandering knight, freedom fighter, enemy of tyrants the world over.

Saint George and the Dragon, a new play by Rory Mullarkey, will be directed by Lyndsey Turner. The show runs in previews from tonight 4 October, with press night 11 October, and continues in the repertoire until 2 December 2017 at the National Theatre. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the company in rehearsal below!

Saint George and the Dragon, a new play by Rory Mullarkey, will be directed by Lyndsey Turner for the National Theatre. The show runs in previews from 4 October, with press night 11 October, and continues in the repertoire until 2 December 2017. See what Mullarkey had to say about the show below!

Saint George and the Dragon, a new play by Rory Mullarkey, will be directed by Lyndsey Turner. The show runs in previews from 4 October, with press night 11 October, and continues in the repertoire until 2 December 2017 at the National Theatre. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the company in rehearsal below!

A village. A dragon. A damsel in distress.

National Theatre has announced today the new season for June 2017 - January 2018. Take a look at the shows coming to the theatre!

All children, except one, grow up...

Director Sally Cookson brings her wondrously inventive Peter Pan to the National Theatre after a sell-out, critically acclaimed run at Bristol Old Vic Theatre. Peter Pan will open in the Olivier Theatre tonight 17 November, with press night on Friday 2 December. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the company in rehearsal below!

Director Sally Cookson brings her wondrously inventive Peter Pan to the National Theatre after a sell-out, critically acclaimed run at Bristol Old Vic Theatre. Peter Pan will open in the Olivier Theatre on Thursday 17 November, with press night on Friday 2 December. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the company in rehearsal below!

Devised by the Companies, based on the works of JM Barrie Previews from 16 November, Press Night 23 November, final performance 4 February.  Sophie Thompson has had to withdraw from the cast of Peter Pan, the National Theatre's Christmas show, due to a broken wrist. Anna Francolini, last seen at the NT in wonder.land, will take over the role of Captain Hook/ Mrs Darling. The NT is delighted that Anna was available to step into the role, and wishes Sophie a speedy recovery. 

Ruth Wilson takes the title role in HEDDA GABLER in a new version by Patrick Marber, directed by Ivo van Hove, in the new National Theatre season. The production previews from 5 December.