The National Theatre News

From 10 March 2026, a host of new faces will join the cast of Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre, London as the critically acclaimed production heads into its third year in the West End. 

This summer, join Shakespeare's Globe for a season bursting with world-class artists, lesser-known classics, and much-loved plays, in two of the most iconic theatres in the world.

Rehearsal photos have been released for Crown of Blood, a Yoruba adaptation of Macbeth by Oladipo Agboluaje and Mojisola Kareem. The world premiere will run at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre in February 2026 before transferring to the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry.

Theatre503 has shared behind-the-scenes photography from the rehearsal room for Donbas by Olga Braga, a brand new play. Donbas is a powerful and darkly funny new play exploring how people keep living and dreaming, even in uncertain times.

Mercury Theatre Colchester has announced the full casting for the world premiere production of award-winning Mercury Playwright Ava Pickett's new play The Manningtree Witches.

Due to popular demand, a second leg of Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! Presented by Walmart recently kicked off with a run that includes performances at major venues like National Theatre in Washington D.C., Kings Theater in Brooklyn, NY, and more.

Roundabout Theatre Company has announced the complete cast and design team for the upcoming production of Fallen Angels by Noël Coward. Learn more about the full cast here!

The National Theatre's production of INTER ALIA, starring Rosamund Pike, announces additional cast members for its upcoming season at Wyndham's Theatre.

Headlong has announced details for their 2026 season including a brand-new production of August Wilson's Fences directed by Daniel Bailey (Red Pitch) in a co-production with Leeds Playhouse, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and HOME Manchester.

Kentucky Performing Arts will present Dinosaur World Live at the Brown Theatre in Louisville. The family-friendly production features life-like dinosaur puppetry and an interactive post-show experience.

This week’s newsletter brings together stories of concrete action and forward momentum in theatre and dance. Highlights include Michael Sheen’s launch of a new national theatre for Wales and his starring role in its first production, New York State’s plan to preserve performing arts spaces, and major leadership appointments at Park Avenue Armory and The Public Theater. We also cover recognition for musical theatre creators Will Aronson and Hue Park, the launch of BroadwayWorld’s 2025 Stage Recording Awards, and the Next On Stage Season 6 finale. Rounding out the issue is a look at Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s relaunch and search for new leadership, underscoring themes of rebuilding, investment, and artistic ambition.

Full casting has been announced for Pride, a brand-new musical based on the award-winning film, reuniting director Matthew Warchus (Matilda The Musical) and writer Stephen Beresford (The Last of the Haussmans). 

Southwark Playhouse Borough will present the premiere of the new musical FLYBY in January 2026, featuring a compelling narrative and dynamic performances.

Renowned director Sir Trevor Nunn returns to Arts Theatre Cambridge to direct EASY VIRTUE, featuring Alice Orr-Ewing, Michael Praed, and Greta Scacchi.

Chester Storyhouse has announced the complete cast for its upcoming production of MACBETH, set to open in January 2026. The classic Shakespearean tragedy will feature a blend of seasoned actors and fresh talent, promising a compelling interpretation of the timeless play.

The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced the full cast for its upcoming revival of Ryan Craig's THE HOLY ROSENBERGS, directed by Lindsay Posner.

An all new single, “Our Lady of the Underground”, had been released from Hadestown. The track features Gloria Onitiri, who performed the role of Persephone in the Original West End company. Listen here!

Theatr Clwyd has welcomed three early-career Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent (DDN) artists for paid development residencies alongside its production of Under Milk Wood.

The National Theatre has announced full casting for Nina Raine and Moses Raine's new version of Maxim Gorky's Summerfolk, a razor-sharp portrait of class, privilege and denial. 

Queen's Theatre Hornchurch will present a revival of Joe Orton's LOOT, a dark farce critiquing social norms and institutions, set to open in February. The play features a chaotic blend of sharp dialogue and physical comedy, following two young thieves in a comically grim scenario involving a stolen loot and a funeral.