New Vic Theatre has announced its Spring 2027 season, featuring a revival of its acclaimed production of The 39 Steps, a new staging of Nell Leyshon’s Folk, and Steven Moffat’s dark comedy thriller The Unfriend.
The season brings together three distinctive productions, combining classic adaptation, moving drama and sharp comedy as the theatre looks ahead following its 40th anniversary celebrations.
Opening the season from 20 March to 17 April 2027 is The 39 Steps, directed by New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins. Originally staged by the theatre in 2019, the production became one of the venue’s most successful shows and returns with original cast members Michael Hugo and Gareth Cassidy.
Adapted by Patrick Barlow from John Buchan’s novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s famous film, The 39 Steps follows Richard Hannay as he finds himself accused of murder and pursued across the country in a fast-paced comedy thriller that sees four actors play more than 120 characters.
From 7 to 29 May 2027, the New Vic will stage Folk by Nell Leyshon, directed by Polly Wain. Inspired by the true story of composer Cecil Sharp and his efforts to preserve traditional songs, the play explores questions of memory, ownership and cultural heritage.
The production tells the story of Louie, whose life is shaped by songs passed down through generations, and her relationship with Sharp as they work to preserve a rich oral tradition for the future.
The season concludes with The Unfriend, Steven Moffat’s acclaimed comedy thriller, running from 19 June to 10 July 2027. Directed by John Young, the play follows a seemingly harmless holiday friendship that spirals into chaos when a house guest turns out to be a suspected murderer.
Known for his work on Sherlock and Doctor Who, Moffat’s play combines razor-sharp comedy with thriller elements in a satirical look at British politeness and social awkwardness.
New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins said: “It’s been a thrill to revisit some of the New Vic’s most-loved productions during our 40th anniversary and get a sense of just why audiences loved them so much. I’m so happy to be able to conclude our celebrations with a revival of The 39 Steps. When we originally staged the production in 2019, I spent every rehearsal day laughing till I was in actual pain; and then it was a joy to see audiences of all ages doing exactly the same as they delighted in its unique mayhem. We had to cut short its last run because of the pandemic but we always hoped we’d be able to share it with audiences again. Our anniversary programme felt like the perfect opportunity to do just that.
“We’ve been eager to stage Folk here for some time. It explores the importance of storytelling and the connections that bring communities together, which resonates strongly with our values. Polly Wain has made a valuable contribution to the New Vic through her work as our Resident Director, and it was her work combining storytelling with folk music that made me want to see her vision for this play.
“I’m also looking forward to welcoming John Young to the New Vic for the first time. He’ll direct The Unfriend, a brilliant piece of playwriting by one of the UK’s best writers, that turns an ordinary social encounter into a starkly comic whodunnit, ending with a breathtaking twist.
“As we complete our anniversary celebrations, we’re looking ahead to the next 40 years. This season feels like a fitting way to mark how far we’ve come and the exciting work still ahead”.
The New Vic Theatre’s Spring 2027 season goes on general sale from 9 November 2026.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
