The whimsical world of Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows is coming to your screen! National Theatre at Home has announced the release of The Wind in the Willows: The New Musical on 8 May 2025, a delightful streaming treat perfect for the whole family.
This Olivier Award-winning masterpiece dives deep into the heart of the beautiful game, capturing the emotional and cultural rollercoaster of Gareth Southgate’s time as England manager.
The National Theatre is set to shine in 2025 with a bold season of world premieres, marking the grand finale of Rufus Norris’ tenure as Director and Co-Chief Executive. From powerful new plays to landmark educational initiatives, this season cements the National Theatre’s legacy as a champion of creativity and fresh storytelling. Here’s what’s in store for audiences on the South Bank and beyond. A Season of World Premieres Rufus Norris pulls out all the stops with a programme featuring four groundbreaking new productions. “Telling bold new stories on our stages has always been a hallmark of the National Theatre,” Norris reflects. “I am thrilled to end my tenure with a programme that reflects a rich and resonant range of perspectives.” Inter Alia – A Modern Tale of Masculinity and Motherhood The Lyttelton Theatre will host Suzie Miller’s potent new play Inter Alia, directed by Justin Martin. This searing exploration of modern masculinity and motherhood stars Rosamund Pike in her National Theatre debut, alongside Jamie Glover and Jasper Talbot. The play centres on Jessica Parks, a charismatic Crown Court Judge juggling her demanding career and family life when a shocking event threatens to upend everything. With set and costume design by Miriam Buether and video design by Willie Williams, audiences can expect a visually striking and emotionally resonant production. Inter Alia opens 10 July, with a press night on 23 July, running until 13 September 2025. The Estate – A Sharp Study of Family and Politics The Dorfman Theatre reopens in style with Shaan Sahota’s… Read More
Fancy stepping into the spotlight? Well, no need to pack your bags for London’s West End. On 22 January, the National Theatre Live is bringing a slice of theatrical magic to the heart of the Manchester Arndale Centre – and it’s completely free. Here’s the deal. Picture yourself in one of Vue’s luxurious Lux recliner seats – you know, the sort where you melt into the cushion a little too easily. From there, you’ll get to read an excerpt from a famous play live with a National Theatre actor beaming in from London via a massive screen smack dab in the middle of the shopping centre. That’s right. Your stage debut could happen right between a Pret and Zara. How very 2024. This event offers more than just a chance to flex your acting chops. It’s a celebration of how National Theatre Live continues to redefine event cinema, capturing world-class performances and delivering them to audiences far and wide. Since its launch, it’s been a game-changer in making the arts more accessible – whether you’re in Manchester, Melbourne, or Milton Keynes. A New Play, A Familiar Cast If you’re in Manchester on the day, you might rub metaphorical shoulders with some pretty big names. Stars like Ncuti Gatwa (Douglas from Sex Education, and your new Doctor Who, naturally), Ronk? Adék?lu??j??, Eliza Scanlan, and Amanda Lawrence are all part of this brilliant event. They’re the cast of The Importance of Being Earnest, the next National Theatre Live gem hitting cinemas on 20 February. And they’re not… Read More
As the festive season approaches, theatre lovers can rejoice as National Theatre at Home unveils a captivating lineup of productions set to grace screens this winter. With an array of exhilarating dramas and heartwarming comedies, the platform promises to illuminate chilly evenings with world-class performances, all from the comfort of home. Kicking off the seasonal offerings is a fresh take on Shakespeare’s Macbeth, featuring Ralph Fiennes, known for his roles in The Menu and Straight Line Crazy, alongside Indira Varma of Game of Thrones fame. Released on 31 October, this cinematic rendition, filmed live at Dock X in London and directed by Simon Godwin, offers a spellbinding experience just in time for Halloween. November brings an opportunity for audiences worldwide to enjoy Nye for free, as part of the ‘Take Your Seats’ initiative. This epic Welsh fantasia, featuring Michael Sheen as Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan, delves into the life of the man who founded the National Health Service (NHS). Available on the National Theatre YouTube channel from 7pm GMT on 7 November until 11 November, it’s a must-watch for fans of stirring historical narratives. The festive cheer continues in December with Noël Coward’s Present Laughter. Directed by Matthew Warchus and filmed during its sold-out run at The Old Vic in 2019, this comedy is available from 6 December. Audiences can revel in Andrew Scott’s Olivier award-winning portrayal of Gary Essendine, a flamboyant actor on the brink of a tour, joined by the equally celebrated Indira Varma and Sophie Thompson. Also joining the platform on 6 December… Read More
Hold onto your top hats, theatre enthusiasts, because the National Theatre is sprinkling a little stage magic with its latest announcement. They’re rolling out the red carpet for the first major stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s beloved book, “Ballet Shoes,” adapted by the talented Kendall Feaver, who you might remember from “The Almighty Sometimes.” This festive family feast will pirouette into the Olivier Theatre from 23 November 2024, promising to be the must-see show of the holiday season. Directing this enchanting spectacle is Katy Rudd, making her triumphant return to the National Theatre after her hit with “The Ocean at the End of the Lane.” Rudd’s directing prowess, paired with an all-star creative team, assures audiences are in for a visual and emotional treat. The set’s magic is conjured by Frankie Bradshaw, with costume wizardry by Samuel Wyer, and toe-tapping choreography by Ellen Kane. Composer Asaf Zohar crafts the musical atmosphere, while Gavin Sutherland handles dance arrangements and orchestrations. Lighting, sound, and video design elevate the experience, thanks to Paule Constable, Ian Dickinson, and Ash J Woodward respectively. The cast is a diverse tapestry of talent including Stacy Abalogun, Yanexi Enriquez as the ambitious Petrova Fossil, and Pearl Mackie as the nurturing Sylvia. They join a vibrant ensemble featuring the likes of Eryck Brahmania, Cordelia Braithwaite, and the dynamic trio of Grace Saif as Pauline Fossil, Justin Salinger as GUM/Fidolia, and Daisy Sequerra as Posy Fossil. Together, they bring to life the story of three adopted sisters living in a delightfully crumbling house garnished with… Read More