The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced its highly anticipated return to the Barbican Theatre for the 2025/26 season, unveiling two major productions that promise to enchant London audiences.
Opening the season is Wendy & Peter Pan, a thrilling reimagining of JM Barrie’s classic tale, adapted by Ella Hickson and directed by Jonathan Munby. The production runs from 21 October to 22 November 2025, with press night on 28 October.
RSC Associate Artist Toby Stephens stars as the infamous Captain Hook in this magical adventure, which first captivated audiences in Stratford-upon-Avon a decade ago.
Director Jonathan Munby’s production features set and costume design by Colin Richmond, choreography by Lucy Hind, music by Shuhei Kamimura, and sound design by Christopher Shutt. The creative team also includes lighting designer Oliver Fenwick, video designer Taiki Ueda, fight director Terry King, casting director Annelie Powell CDG, and associate director Ellie Taylor.
Toby Stephens, known for his roles in Die Another Day, Jane Eyre, and Lost in Space, returns to the RSC following his acclaimed performance as Hamlet in Michael Boyd’s production.
Following Wendy & Peter Pan, the Barbican will host Prasanna Puwanarajah’s five-star production of Twelfth Night from 8 December 2025 to 17 January 2026, with press night on 16 December.
Freema Agyeman, Michael Grady-Hall, and Samuel West reprise their roles as Olivia, Feste, and Malvolio respectively, following a sold-out run in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The production features original music by Matt Maltese and designs by James Cotterill. The creative team includes lighting designers Bethany Gupwell and Zoe Spurr, sound designer George Dennis, movement director Polly Bennett, casting director Matthew Dewsbury CDG, and associate director Zoë Templeman-Young.
RSC Co-Artistic Directors Tamara Harvey and Daniel Evans said:
“We’re so excited to be announcing our second Winter season at the Barbican, and to be bringing two brilliant productions to our London audiences.
Ella Hickson’s darkly witty adaptation of Wendy & Peter Pan brings a fresh perspective to J.M Barrie’s classic novel, whilst still offering everything you would expect from the beloved story – from crooked captains to carnivorous crocodiles.
The season continues with Prasanna Puwanarajah’s smash-hit version of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. We are thrilled that Sam, Freema and Michael will return to reprise their critically acclaimed roles which delighted our audiences in Stratford last year. How fitting that the show will run over Twelfth Night, the moment when we all reflect on the celebrations we have enjoyed throughout the festive season.”
Wendy & Peter Pan and Twelfth Night mark the RSC’s ninth and tenth productions in London in 2025, continuing a year of major successes including Kyoto, Born With Teeth, and the ongoing West End runs of My Neighbour Totoro and Matilda The Musical.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
