National Theatre announces 2025 season featuring four world premieres in Rufus Norris’s final year as director

The National Theatre has unveiled casting details and additional information for its upcoming 2025 season, which includes four world premieres. These productions mark the final season under the direction of Rufus Norris, who has been at the helm as Director and Co-Chief Executive. The season will feature new works staged at the Lyttelton and the Dorfman theatres on London’s South Bank, with tickets available to the public from 6^th February 2025.

Among the highlights are the world premieres of Inter Alia by Suzie Miller, The Estate by Shaan Sahota, The Land of the Living by David Lan and End by David Eldridge. Each play offers a unique narrative, ranging from explorations of modern masculinity and motherhood to sharp political dramas and poignant reflections on love and relationships.

Inter Alia, scheduled to run from 10^th July to 13^th September at the Lyttelton Theatre, stars Rosamund Pike in her National Theatre debut. Directed by Justin Martin, the play examines the challenges faced by a top London Crown Court Judge, both in her professional and personal life. The production team includes notable figures such as set and costume designer Miriam Buether and lighting designer Natasha Chivers.

The Estate, directed by Daniel Raggett, will be staged at the Dorfman Theatre from 9^th July to 23^rd August. The play marks Sahota’s debut and features BAFTA-winning actor Adeel Akhtar. It delves into the dynamics of a political family embroiled in a scandal, highlighting themes of power and secrecy.

David Lan’s The Land of the Living, directed by Stephen Daldry, is another Dorfman Theatre production, scheduled from 9^th September to 1^st November. The narrative spans from post-WWII Germany to 1990s London, exploring the long-term impacts of wartime decisions on personal identities and relationships.

Completing the season is End by David Eldridge, which will be shown from 13^th November at the Dorfman Theatre. The play, directed by Rachel O’Riordan, concludes Eldridge’s trilogy on love and relationships, capturing the essence of a lifelong partnership faced with its final moments. The cast includes Clive Owen and Saskia Reeves.

Norris expressed his enthusiasm for the season, stating, “I am delighted that the last four shows in my final season are all world premieres, including a debut play by extraordinary new writer Shaan Sahota. This cements a decade of work by National Theatre’s New Work Department to champion and support new stories told by world-class theatre-makers.”

Additionally, the Dorfman Theatre will reopen in June to host the 30^th anniversary of the Connections Festival, a significant youth theatre programme that has influenced many in the creative industry.

This ambitious lineup not only reflects the National Theatre’s commitment to new writing but also celebrates the diverse and dynamic landscape of contemporary theatre, promising a season of compelling narratives and robust performances.

The editorial unit
Photo: Courtesy of National Theatre

For further information visit the theatre’s website here.