The Almeida Theatre has announced the world premiere of Triumph, a new play by acclaimed playwright Caryl Churchill, which will run for one week only from 16 to 23 October 2026.
Described as an urgent political allegory and a “grim joke about where we are today”, the 15-minute play is directed by Olivier Award winner James Macdonald.
Triumph features Tony Award nominee Matthew Beard and Emmy Award winner Kate O’Flynn, who will lead the cast in Churchill’s latest work.
The play centres on Press Secretary Iris, whose growing feelings for a reporter threaten the happiness of those around her in a world where, as the play’s opening suggests, “Excellent work, the emperor’s happy.”
“That makes me happy.”
Churchill’s new work draws inspiration from Suetonius’s The Twelve Caesars and continues the playwright’s long tradition of examining contemporary politics and society through bold theatrical storytelling.
Macdonald returns to the Almeida Theatre to direct the production, having previously staged productions including Christmas Day, Bakkhai and Judgment Day at the venue.
Beard’s stage credits include Boys on the Verge of Tears, A Long Day’s Journey Into Night and Skylight, while O’Flynn is known for acclaimed stage performances and her Emmy Award-winning television work.
The world premiere marks another collaboration between Churchill and Macdonald, bringing one of Britain’s most influential living playwrights back to the London stage with a new work that reflects on the current political moment.
Tickets for Triumph are on sale now, with performances taking place at the Almeida Theatre from 16 to 23 October 2026.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
