Emma Rice Company has announced full casting for the return of Emma Rice’s celebrated adaptation of Tristan & Yseult, originally produced by Kneehigh and last seen on stage in 2017.
Currently touring the United States with North by Northwest, Emma Rice Company will revive one of the most influential theatre productions of the 21st century, with a UK tour beginning at Theatre Royal Bath in September before transferring to St Ann’s Warehouse in New York.
John Leader and Nandi Bhebhe will play the title roles of Tristan and Yseult.
They are joined by Matthew Churcher as Frocin, Tom Fox as Morholt and Brangian, Jack Heydon as Love Spotter, Stephanie Hockley as Whitehands, Edward Rowe as King Mark and Nigel Sudarkasa as Love Spotter.
The onstage band will feature Pat Moran, Stu Barker, Harry Miller and Philippa Hogg, with Mary Johnson appearing as alternate for the New York run.
Co-produced by Emma Rice Company, York Theatre Royal and Nottingham Playhouse, the production will preview at Theatre Royal Bath from 11 September 2026 as part of the company’s three-year partnership with the venue, The Director’s Cut.
Written by Anna Maria Murphy and Carl Grose, and adapted and directed by Emma Rice, Tristan & Yseult first premiered outdoors in 2003 before transferring to the National Theatre in 2005. The upcoming tour marks the first opportunity for audiences to see the production since 2017.
Described as “A poem to love and its madness”, the production combines myth, music, movement and storytelling in a reimagined staging of the legendary tale.
The creative team includes composer Stu Barker, sound designer Simon Baker, lighting designer Malcolm Rippeth and choreographer and intimacy coordinator Etta Murfitt. The original set and costume designs by Bill Mitchell have been refreshed by Vicki Mortimer.
The tour will visit Theatre Royal Bath, Theatr Clwyd, Citizens Theatre Glasgow, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Oxford Playhouse, Nottingham Playhouse and York Theatre Royal, alongside its New York engagement.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
