Les Liaisons Dangereuses will open the Spring 2026 programme in the Lyttleton Theatre, directed by Marianne Elliott, who returns to the National Theatre after nine years.
Lesley Manville and Aidan Turner in Les Liaisons Dangereuses at the National Theatre. Photographer Alexandre Blossard
The previously announced cast of Monica Barbaro as Madame de Tourvel, Gabrielle Drake as Madame de Rosemond, Lesley Manville as Marquise de Merteuil and Aidan Turner as Vicomte de Valmont are joined by Sharif Afifi as Azolan, Nandi Bhebhe as Julie, Ali Goldsmith as Major-Domo, Darragh Hand as Chevalier Danceny, Cat Simmons as Madame de Volanges and Hannah van der Westhuysen as Cécile Volanges.
Adapted from Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ classic novel, this striking new production of Christopher Hampton's celebrated adaptation is a tale of seduction, manipulation, and revenge set in pre-revolutionary France. At its heart is Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont, two aristocrats who turn seduction into a strategy and weaponise desire. But when their alliance collapses into rivalry, the battle between them threatens to destroy everyone in their path.
The creative team for this new revival includes set designer Rosanna Vize, costume designer Natalie Roar, choreographer Tom Jackson Greaves, composer Jasmin Kent Rodgman, lighting designer James Farncombe, sound designer Ian Dickson for Autograph, intimacy director Ingrid Mackinnon, fight director Sam Lyon-Behan, casting directors Alastair Coomer CDG and Naomi Downham, dialect coach Hazel Holder, and voice coach Cathleen McCarron.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses plays in the Lyttelton Theatre from 21 March to 6 June 2026.
