Cast announced for One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest at The Old Vic

Emmie Newitt 20 January, 2026, 14:29

A new production of Dale Wasserman's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest will play at The Old Vic this Spring, based on the well-known 1962 novel by Ken Kesey. The production will form as part of Matthew Warchus' final season as Artistic Director of the theatre.

one flew over the cuckoos nest old vic cast Michelle Gomez, Giles Terera and Aaron Pierre. Headshots provided by production.

The play, which was adapted into a five-time Oscar winning film starring Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher, made its Broadway debut in 1963. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest first performed in London in 1988. The production this year will be the first time it has been on the stage since a production took place at Upstairs at the Gatehouse in 2012.

Set in a psychiatric institution, the story follows Chief Bromden, a long-silent patient whose view of the ward is upended by the arrival of Randle McMurphy. A charismatic gambler, his defiance sparks rebellion among the patients, who want to reclaim their sense of self against the control of Nurse Ratched, with tragic yet powerful consequences.

The production, directed by Clint Dyer, will be led by Aaron Pierre (Othello, National Theatre) as Randle P McMurphy and Giles Terera (Oh, Mary!) as Dale Harding.

Joining them will be Michelle Gomez (Green Wing) as Nurse Ratched, alongside Samson Ajewole as Aide Warren, Kazeem Tosin Amore as Aide Turkle, Arthur Boan as Chief Bromden, Adam Bond as Ensemble, Emma Cater as Ensemble, Ene Frost as Ruckley, Jaz Hutchins as Aide Williams, Shaquille Jack as Ensemble, Daisy Lewis as Candy Starr, Amy Newton as Nurse Flinn/Sandra, Jason Pennycooke as Martini, Javone Prince as Cheswick, Mo Sesay as Scanlon, Matthew Steer as Dr Spivey, and Kedar Williams-Stirling as Billy Bibbit.

The creative team includes Set & Costume design by Ben Stones, Lighting design by Chris Davey, Sound design by Benjamin Grant, Movement by Lucie Pankhurst, Casting by Heather Basten CDG CSA, Associate Director Jade Hackett, Associate Wigs, Hair & Make-Up by Keisha-Paris Banya, Costume Supervisor Maybelle Laye and Cultural Consultant Nathan Woodward.

It will play at The Old Vic from 1 April to 23 May 2026.

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest Tickets