The Southbank based theatre has confirmed details of its upcoming new season of work.
The previously announced Follies will open for previews at the Olivier theatre from the 22nd August. Directed by Dominic Cooke (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) and featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this is the first time that the musical is being staged at the National Theatre. It is set to star Janie Dee, Imelda Staunton and Tracie Bennett.
It will then be followed up by Lyndsey Turner’s production of Saint George and the Dragon, opening for previews at the Olivier on the 4th October. This new play from Rory Mullarkey, also marks the playwright’s debut at the National Theatre. The cast is set to include John Heffernan, Paul Brennen, Richard Goulding, Tamzin Griffin, Conor Neaves, Amaka Okafor, Daniel Ryan and Grace Saif.
2018 will see the return of Michael Longhurst’s production of Amadeus from the 22nd January, following a sold-out run in 2016. The productions return to the theatre will also see Adam Gillen and Lucian Msamati reprise the roles of Mozart and Salieri, with firther casting to be announced.
Meanwhile, the Lyttleton Theatre’s new season will begin with the Tony award winning production of Oslo from the 5th September. Arriving in London directly after its award winning run on Broadway, Bartlett Sher’s acclaimed production of this new play by J.T. Rogers will then transfer to the Harold Pinter Theatre after its run at the National.
Another returning National Theatre production is Sally Cookson’s production of Jane Eyre, which will open for previews from the 26th September. Currently on a UK tour, the production stars Hannah Bristow, Matthew Churcher, Nadia Clifford, Ben Cutler and Tim Delap.
This will then be followed by Network, based on the Paddy Chayefsky film and previewing from the 4th November. Adapted by Lee Hall and directed by Ivo Van Hove, this is the first time that the film has been adapted for the stage. The production will also feature set design by Jan Versweyveld and will see Bryan Cranston making his London stage debut.
The National Theatre’s festive production this year will be John Tiffany’s production of Pinocchio, previewing from the 1st December. Featuring the songs and score from the Walt Disney film by Leigh Harline, Ned Washington and Paul J Smith, the production will star Joe Idris-Roberts (Pinocchio), Audrey Brisson (Jiminy Cricket), Annette McLaughlin (Blue Lady), David Langham (The Fox), David Kirkbride (Coachman), Dawn Sievewright (Lampy) and Chris Jarman (Stromboli).
Other productions to look out for in the upcoming season includes: Mosquitoes, The Majority, Beginning and the return of Barber Shop Chronicles.
For more information or to book tickets for any of the upcoming productions visit: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/