National Theatre announces upcoming programming including three new productions

The National Theatre have announced their upcoming programming to include three brand new productions.

Simon Stone will make his National Theatre debut in the Lyttelton theatre from 1 February-8 April 2023, directing his striking new play Phaedra after Euripides, Seneca and Racine. After years of fierce focus on her political career, Phaedra turns her attention to her personal life. The reappearance of her stepson shakes the foundations of her house and the beliefs that have underpinned her power. As buried lust and loneliness surge to the surface, Phaedra’s actions threaten to destroy everything she has built. Janet McTeer (Ozark) takes the title role alongside Assaad Bouab (Call My Agent) and Mackenzie Davis (Station Eleven) who both make their UK stage debuts.

The production features set design by Chloe Lamford, costumes by Mel Page, lighting by James Farncombe, and composition and sound by Stefan Gregory .

Standing at the Sky’s Edge, a co-production with Sheffield Theatres in association with Various Productions, will transfer to the Olivier theatre from 9 February-25 March 2023 as it makes its London premiere following a return to the Crucible Theatre this winter. A love letter to Sheffield and ode to the iconic Park Hill Estate, Standing at the Sky’s Edge charts the hopes and dreams of three generations over the course of six tumultuous decades. Directed by Sheffield Theatres’ Artistic Director, Robert Hastie, featuring songs by Richard Hawley and with a book by Chris Bush, it is a heartfelt exploration of the power of community and what it is we call home.

The cast includes Darragh Cowley, Ahmed Hamad, Samuel Jordan, Bobbie Little, Robert Lonsdale, David McKechnie, Maimuna Memon, Baker Mukasa, Alastair Natkiel, Faith Omole, Adam Price, Nicola Sloane, Jake Small, Deborah Tracey, Rachael Wooding and Alex Young.

The production’s set and costume design is by Ben Stones, with choreography by Lynne Page, music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Tom Deering, lighting by Mark Henderson, sound by Bobby Aitken, music direction by John Rutledge, and casting by Stuart Burt CDG.

Romeo and Julie, a new play by Gary Owen and a co-production with Sherman Theatre, opens in the Dorfman theatre from 14 February-1 April 2023. Two Welsh teens raised a few streets apart – but from entirely different worlds – crash into first love and are knocked off their feet. But at the crossroads to the rest of their lives, Julie’s family fears the worst in a world of unequal opportunity. Following their critically acclaimed productions Iphigenia in Splott and Killology, director Rachel O’Riordan reunites with Gary Owen to deliver his new play inspired by Romeo and Juliet. The cast includes Catrin Aaron, Paul Brennen, Anita Reynolds, Callum Scott Howells and Rosie Sheehy.

The production has set and costume design by Hayley Grindle, with lighting by Jack Knowles, and sound by Gregory Clarke.

Tickets for Phaedra, Standing at the Sky’s Edge and Romeo and Julie go on sale to the public on 20 October here.