National Theatre Announces Rufus Norris’ Last Season

Rufus Norris. Photo (c) Brinkhoff and Moegenburg

Rufus Norris has announced his final programme as Director of the National Theatre, concluding his decade leading the organisation and creating a lasting impact for generations to come.

The programme includes four world premieres by playwrights Suzie Miller, Shaan Sahota, David Lan, and David Eldridge, alongside the return of some of the National Theatre’s most popular and loved productions. Dear England returns, updated to include Gareth Southgate’s last chapter as England Manager. Rufus Norris directs London Road, a musical he originally directed in 2011 which led to him becoming an Associate of the National Theatre and then Director in 2015. Norris also directs Nye, with Michael Sheen returning to lead the story of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan and his battle to create the NHS.

This final season continues Norris’ commitment to increasing the recognition of the work of underserved creative talent with the programming of Michael Abbensetts’ Alterations, from the Black Plays Archive based at the National Theatre.  This era-defining comedy illuminates the Guyanese experience of 1970s London and the aspirations and sacrifices of the Windrush generation.

The theatre will also stage the UK debut of Stephen Sondheim’s last musical Here We Are. Directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello its cast includes Tracie Bennett, Rory Kinnear and Denis O’Hare.

Following the global success of Prima Facie, the season reunites writer Suzie Miller and director Justin Martin for the world premiere of Inter Alia, with initial casting that includes Rosamund Pike making her National Theatre debut as an eminent High Court Judge forced to reckon her professional life and role as wife, mother, friend and feminist.

Commenting on his ten years at the National, Rufus Norris said:

‘Leading the creative powerhouse that is the National Theatre over the past decade has been a profound privilege. I am humbled by the commitment, dedication and passion shown day in and day out by the extraordinary people who have joined me in the mission to make the NT a representative, sustainable, world class theatre, reaching far beyond its concrete walls”.

Full details of the season can be found on the National Theatre website

Public booking opens on Wednesday 16 October. Members enjoy Priority booking from Monday 7 October 2024.

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