National Theatre’s New Star-Studded Season With Paul Mescal, Nicola Coughlan and Stormzy
Kevin, April 30th, 2025The National Theatre has announced its upcoming season, bursting with talent!
Under the artistic direction of Indhu Rubasingham, in her first season as director, the programme is packed with some of the biggest names in film, TV and music - including Paul Mescal, Nicola Coughlan, Letitia Wright, Aidan Turner, and even a rumoured appearance by Stormzy.
About The 2025 Season
The season kicks off on the Olivier stage with Bacchae, a new version of the Greek tragedy by first-time playwright Nima Taleghani, directed by Rubasingham herself. This marks the first time a debut playwright has premiered a work on the Olivier stage. The play will also tour schools and colleges across the UK as part of the NT's education outreach programme.
In the Lyttelton, Hamlet returns this autumn with Hiran Abeysekera in the title role, directed by Robert Hastie. The production will also be filmed for a future National Theatre Live cinema release.
Kendall Feaver's adaptation of Ballet Shoes, directed by Katy Rudd, returns for the festive season in the Olivier Theatre. And next Christmas, the Olivier will stage The Jungle Book in a new version by Anupama Chandrasekhar, directed by Rubasingham, featuring puppetry by the award-winning team from Life of Pi.
Nicola Coughlan, best known for Bridgerton and Derry Girls, will reunite with the Derry Girls cast in The Playboy of the Western World, directed by Caitrona McLaughlin of the Abbey Theatre.
Continuing Into 2026
Paul Mescal, the Oscar-nominated star of Aftersun and Normal People, is set to appear in both A Whistle In The Dark and Death Of A Salesman - although full details haven't been released yet. There's also major buzz about a new Pride-themed musical, and while the National is being secretive for now, sources suggest Stormzy is somehow involved.
