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 debut play, The Estate, directed by Daniel Raggett. This razor-sharp exploration of family, power, and politics follows Angad Singh, a leadership contender balancing his political ambitions against the secrets of his family. Featuring Adeel Akhtar, with more casting to come, this politically charged drama is set to captivate audiences.
Design contributions from Chloe Lamford and Khadija Raza promise a compelling visual world. The Estate begins performances on 9 July, with a press night on 17 July, and runs until 23 August 2025.
The Land of the Living – Memory and Morality Across Eras
David Lan’s latest work, The Land of the Living, invites audiences into a dual timeline narrative about the moral complexities of war and the haunting choices surrounding memory and identity. Directed by the acclaimed Stephen Daldry, the play stars Juliet Stevenson, with a strong ensemble cast including Atilla Akinci, Hubert Hanowicz, and Tom Wlaschiha.
Spanning 1945 and 1990, the story follows a young survivor of Nazi atrocities and the woman tasked with shaping his future. With design by Miriam Buether and lighting by James Farncombe, it promises an evocative production. The Land of the Living runs in the Dorfman Theatre from 9 September to 1 November 2025, with the press night on 18 September.
End – Love and Legacy in the Final Chapter
Bringing his trilogy of relationships full circle, David Eldridge returns with End, directed by Rachel O’Riordan. This touching yet funny exploration of love and memory reunites Clive Owen and Saskia Reeves as a long-married couple on the brink of writing their final chapter together.
A fitting culmination to Eldridge’s trilogy, End opens at the Dorfman Theatre on 13 November 2025, with its press night on 20 November.
Reopening the Dorfman and Celebrating Connections
The Dorfman Theatre resumes performances under the spotlight of the 30th anniversary of the Connections Festival. This flagship youth theatre programme has supported over 125,000 young people since its inception and continues to shape the next generation of creative talent across the UK. Running from 24 to 28 June 2025, Connections will feature ten new plays performed by youth theatre groups representing talent from across the country.
Esteemed alumni, including David Oyelowo, Rose Ayling-Ellis, and Keira Knightley, have credited their careers to the invaluable experience Connections provides. This year’s anniversary celebration underscores its enduring legacy and future significance.
Public Record & Drama Teacher Conference
The National Theatre’s commitment to community engagement takes centre stage with Public Record, a joyous new Public Acts production set in Sunderland. Directed by Emily Lim and choreographed by Dan Canham, this large-scale musical will feature over 100 community performers, professional musicians, and dancers, telling the story of Sunderland through its people. Performances run from 25 to 27 April 2025 at The Fire Station in Sunderland.
Meanwhile, the Drama Teacher Conference, celebrating its 10th anniversary, invites drama educators to The Lowry in Salford on 20–21 February 2025 for a series of workshops and talks. Featuring industry leaders such as Alecky Blythe and Complicité, the conference serves as an invaluable resource for educators shaping the next generation of theatre-makers.
A Triumphant Farewell
Rufus Norris’ final season at the National Theatre celebrates his decade-long mission to champion new, powerful voices in contemporary theatre. From thought-provoking world premieres to national education initiatives, 2025 marks a fitting farewell for a director who has left an indelible mark on the UK’s theatrical landscape.
Tickets for all main stage shows go on sale to the public on Thursday 6 February 2025. Be sure to secure your seat for this unforgettable season at nationaltheatre.org.uk.
Feature image provided