Directed by Indhu Rubasingham in her first show as Director of the National Theatre, Bacchae launches a new chapter for the National Theatre this Autumn.
The cast of Baachae at National Theatre. Headshots provided by production.
The new play by Heartstopper's Nima Taleghani will mark the first time a debut play will be staged in the National's Olivier Theatre. A modern retelling of an ancient Greek story, Bacchae will be infused with anarchic energy and fuelled by spoken word and rhyme.
The cast includes James McArdle (Angels in America), Clare Perkins (The Wife of Willesden), Ukweli Roach (Wolf) and Sharon Small (Nye).
Previously announced casting also includes Melanie-Joyce Bermudez, Ebony Clarke, Natasha Gooden, Sam Jenkins-Shaw, Kate Ivory Jordan, James McArdle, Arethajay McEwen, Clare Perkins, Ukweli Roach, Fi Silverthorn, Simon Startin and Jessey Stol.
They are joined by Roman Asde, Elèna Gyasi, Reuben Johnson, Tyreke Leslie, Natasha Magigi, Ellie McKay, Ellie-May Sheridan, Sharon Small, Anna Russell-Martin and Amanda Wilkin.
The creative team includes set and costume designer Robert Jones, choreographer Kate Prince, lighting designer Oliver Fenwick, composer DJ Walde, sound designers Ben and Max Ringham, fight director Kate Waters, casting directors Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG and Martin Poile CDG, voice and dialect coach Hazel Holder, associate director Hannah Hauer-King, associate set and costume designer Natalie Johnson, associate choreographer Ajani Johnson-Goffe and dramaturgy by Jeanie O’Hare.
Bacchae will play from 13 September to 1 November 2025.
