The Almeida Theatre has announced the first season from incoming Artistic Director Dominic Cooke, combining four world premieres, new productions from some of the UK’s most acclaimed theatre-makers, and a major revival starring David Tennant.
Opening the season in January 2027 is the world premiere of Three and a Bit, a collection of new short plays by legendary playwright Caryl Churchill, directed by long-time collaborator James Macdonald. The production marks the beginning of Cooke’s inaugural programme and follows the sold-out success of Churchill’s Triumph at the Almeida.
Alexander Zeldin will then bring together his acclaimed plays Beyond Caring, LOVE and Faith, Hope and Charity for the first time as The Inequalities, an epic theatrical trilogy examining work, home and community across modern Britain. The Almeida and A Zeldin Company co-production will subsequently tour.
Cooke’s first production as Artistic Director will be the world premiere of Musculus, a new play by Jamie Bogyo exploring marriage, masculinity and contemporary gender roles. The production will run in summer 2027.
Also receiving its world premiere is The Right Woman, a new political thriller by Olivier Award winner Chris Bush. Directed by Sophie Drake, the interactive drama follows a contest to elect Labour’s first female Prime Minister, with audiences voting to determine the ending.
The season continues with The Island, Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona’s acclaimed anti-apartheid drama, directed by newly appointed Almeida Associate Director Ola Ince. Ince will also helm Dinner in Leith by Hammaad Chaudry, launching the new Almeida Out There initiative, which will take productions beyond the theatre building into site-specific locations.
Elsewhere, Sacha Wares will direct a new production of Terence Rattigan’s The Winslow Boy, while David Tennant will make his Almeida debut leading Dominic Cooke’s revival of John Osborne’s The Entertainer.
The Almeida Young Company will also stage Angel to Olympus, a new work by Flora Wilson Brown directed by Takiyah Kamaria.
Announcing the season, Dominic Cooke said: “Today we announce my first season as Almeida Artistic Director. It brings together four world premieres, ambitious revivals and a landmark co-production. The season explores ideas around a world in crisis and brings together groundbreaking artists whose work I have long admired.
“This season reflects what I hope the Almeida can be: a place for bold ideas and work that entertains while asking something of us. Our aim is artistic excellence for the widest possible audience, and I look forward to sharing this next chapter with everyone.”
Alongside the artistic programme, the Almeida has confirmed Ola Ince’s appointment as Associate Director, further strengthening the theatre’s commitment to supporting leading contemporary voices.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
