Rufus Norris News

The National Theatre has announced that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall has become its Royal Patron. The Duchess, a long-standing supporter for the arts, is a devoted fan of theatre and champion of literature and drama.

Rufus Norris’ stage production of Andrea Levy’s Small Island was hailed as a triumph on its debut in 2019. The epic story of race, friendship and betrayal set among the Windrush generation was a welcome distraction when streamed during lockdown and now makes an exultant return to the grandeur of the Olivier’s stage.

Rehearsal images for the critically acclaimed production of Small Island are released today. Adapted by Helen Edmundson from Andrea Levy’s prize-winning novel and directed by Rufus Norris, the production will open on 24 February in the Olivier theatre.  

Vicky Hawkins has been announced as the new Executive Director of Park Theatre, taking the reins from Rachael Williams who was in the role for five years. A Haringey resident, Vicky joins Park Theatre from the National Theatre where she was Head of Producing. 

The National Theatre will tour Evan Placey's JEKYLL & HYDE, a radical reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale, to five state secondary schools across Wolverhampton in partnership with Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

Hamlet's dad is dead. His uncle has taken over the kingdom and married Hamlet's mum. The whole world feels like it's turned upside down. A ghostly encounter reveals a dreadful deed has been done. Should Hamlet take revenge?

The National Theatre and Cutting Edge Media Music have formed an exclusive partnership to develop and share the music in all the productions created by the National Theatre.

The National Theatre is to tour Evan Placey's Jekyll & Hyde, a radical reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale, to state secondary schools nationwide from 31st January 2022.  

Casting for the revival of the critically acclaimed production Small Island is announced today as the company begin rehearsals. Adapted by Helen Edmundson from Andrea Levy's prize-winning novel and directed by Rufus Norris, the production will open on 24 February in the Olivier theatre.  

The National Theatre's Hex faced cancelations due to Covid-19, and is scheduled to run until January 22, 2022. To give the show the chance to have a full run, the National Theatre will be remounting Hex in November 2022. 

Though hardly an ideal start to the new theatrical year, we want to applaud all of the incredible casts, creatives, backstage and front-of-house staff who are working so hard to keep shows on. If you can support productions, please do – whether revisiting an amazing long-running show or checking out something new. And speaking of which: here are some of the most intriguing London additions for this month. Keep checking back for our reviews, interviews and features!

The National Theatre has just announced that Lisa Burger, Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive, has been awarded a CBE for services to the arts as part of the 2022 New Year's Honours.  

BroadwayWorld has just learned that Hex, which was set to be broadcast to cinemas as a National Theatre Live from 17 March, will no longer be filmed due to cancelations because of  Covid-19.

The National Theatre confirmed today that due to company illness in both Hex and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time further performances will now sadly have to be cancelled.

The National Theatre has postponed the opening night of its new musical Hex due to COVID-19 among the show’s company. According to National Theatre director Rufus Norris, one of the leads was among those impacted.

The National Theatre has today released a first look at Hex, a new musical based on Sleeping Beauty which is currently open for previews in the Olivier theatre.

Right before Hex started its previews this past weekend, we sat down with cast members Kat Ronney and Michael Elcock to talk about the National Theatre's new original musical. Directed by Rufus Norris, with music by Jim Fortune, book by Tanya Ronder and lyrics by Norris himself, the show is a retelling of the popular fairy tale Sleeping Beauty.

The National Theatre has today announced that Kate Varah has been appointed as Executive Director. Currently Executive Director of The Old Vic, a role she has held since 2015, Kate will join Director and Chief Executive Rufus Norris to lead the National Theatre, from Spring 2022 succeeding Lisa Burger.

The National Theatre today announces the return of National Theatre Live with a new programme of four productions to be broadcast to audiences worldwide in cinemas, starting in the UK and Ireland in January, and with tickets now on sale.

The National Theatre today announces a new public installation, The Tree, designed by winning designer Rose Revitt, to be created and displayed in the foyer of the NT from January 2022.