The Royal Court Theatre has unveiled its exciting lineup for the latter half of 2025, featuring six productions that promise to captivate audiences. Artistic Director David Byrne’s programme includes four world premieres and two touring productions, showcasing the rich possibilities of contemporary new writing.
The season kicks off with Deaf Republic, an expansive production about solidarity and collective resistance. Created by Dead Centre and Sign Language Poet Zoë McWhinney, this play is based on the epic poems by Ilya Kaminsky and runs from August 29 to September 13, 2025.
Following this, Cow | Deer takes the stage from September 4 to October 11, 2025. This unique production, made entirely with sound and no words, is a collaboration between Katie Mitchell, Nina Segal, and Melanie Wilson, in co-production with the National Theatre of Greece.
Nick Payne’s The Unbelievers, directed by Marianne Elliott and starring Nicola Walker, explores themes of family, memory, and hope. This play runs from October 10 to November 29, 2025.
Porn Play by Sophia Chetin-Leuner, directed by Josie Rourke and starring Ambika Mod, delves into women’s relationship with pornography. It will be on stage from November 6 to December 13, 2025.
The touring productions include After the Act, a new musical by Breach that examines Section 28 and its impact on LGBTQIA+ history. This show runs from May 21 to June 14, 2025. Additionally, Nassim Soleimanpour’s ECHO returns to the Royal Court from June 27 to July 5, 2025, before embarking on an international tour.
David Byrne expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating, “Every production in this season is an unmissable piece of theatre, each bringing together world-class artists to present electric new work to audiences. Come and join us.”
The Royal Court also announced the second iteration of the Open Submissions Festival, an 18-month attachment for playwright Tife Kusoro, and the opening of submissions for the inaugural Young Playwrights Award.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
