The National Theatre has announced full casting for Bacchae, a new play by Heartstopper’s Nima Taleghani, after Euripides. This marks the first time a debut play will be staged in the Olivier Theatre.
Directed by Indhu Rubasingham in her first production as Director of the National Theatre, Bacchae promises an electrifying retelling of the Greek tragedy, infused with spoken word, rhyme, and anarchic energy.
The cast includes James McArdle (Angels in America), Clare Perkins (The Wife of Willesden), Ukweli Roach (Wolf), and Sharon Small (Nye), alongside Melanie-Joyce Bermudez, Ebony Clarke, Natasha Gooden, Sam Jenkins-Shaw, Kate Ivory Jordan, Arethajay McEwen, Fi Silverthorn, Simon Startin, and Jessey Stol.
They are joined by Roman Asde, Elèna Gyasi, Reuben Johnson, Tyreke Leslie, Natasha Magigi, Ellie McKay, Ellie-May Sheridan, Anna Russell-Martin, and Amanda Wilkin.
Speaking about her inaugural production, Indhu Rubasingham said:
“I can’t wait to get into the rehearsal room and create my first show as Director of the National Theatre, beginning this new chapter. Nima’s energetic retelling of Euripides’ ancient tragedy is an exhilarating debut play, that will fill the amphitheatre of the Olivier with spoken word and rhyme. Bacchae will be a riot of words, music and movement, designed by Robert Jones, choreographed by Kate Prince and with an original score by DJ Walde. I am proud to be directing such a wonderful company, which includes my longtime collaborator Clare Perkins as well as James McArdle, Ukweli Roach and Sharon Small. This spirit of reinvention and telling ancient stories with a modern voice has long been a part of the National Theatre and we look forward to welcoming audiences both old and new.”
In this bold reimagining, the Bacchae are no longer on the sidelines. These fangirls are a fierce collective, ready to unleash chaos in Thebes.
Meanwhile, Dionysos is on a mission to take down his cousin, King Pentheus, in a twisted family showdown that’s part divine reckoning, part lyrical rebellion.
The creative team includes set and costume designer Robert Jones, choreographer Kate Prince, lighting designer Oliver Fenwick, composer DJ Walde, and sound designers Ben and Max Ringham. Fight direction is by Kate Waters, with casting by Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG and Martin Poile CDG.
Bacchae runs in the Olivier Theatre from 13 September to 1 November 2025, with a press night on Wednesday 24 September at 7pm.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
