The National Theatre has announced the full cast for Martin Crimp’s adaptation of Molière’s The Misanthrope, which will mark the venue debut for US star Sandra Oh.
Written in contemporary verse, this biting satire interrogates 21st-century private relationships and public debate, with Molière’s infamous character – the misanthropic Alceste – here reimagined as Alice.
Alice, a brilliant novelist, despises the hollow contemporary mantras of kindness and respect. But the bolder she becomes in speaking out, the more colleagues avoid her, and the more her personal relationships begin to fracture. As she challenges fashionable ideas and lends her voice to causes others are afraid to touch, she faces intense criticism and backlash. Alice will soon learn the price she must pay as an artist and as a woman for daring to speak her mind.
Oh plays Alice, who stars alongside the previously announced Paul Chahidi as John and Abigail Cruttenden as Claire. Joining them will be Imogen Elliott as Esmée, Rina Fatania as Indira, Freddie MacBruce as Allen, Tom Mison as Stefan and Jemima Rooper as Elaine. Young performers include Arthur Blanc and Teddy Holton-Frances as Benjamin and Francesca Fullilove and Poppy Townsend White as Madeleine.
The understudy cast completing the company includes Niamh James as understudy Esmée/Allen, Amira Matthews as understudy Claire/Indira/Elaine, Scott Sparrow as understudy Stefan, John Vernon as understudy John and Gabby Wong as understudy Alice.
Directed by Indhu Rubasingham, the artistic team includes set and costume designer Robert Jones, lighting designer Tim Lutkin, composer Anna Meredith, sound designer Alexander Caplen, movement director Lucy Hind, casting Alastair Coomer and Martin Poile, voice coach Jeannette Nelson, associate director Gitika Buttoo and associate set and costume designer Ethan Cheek.
The Misanthrope will run in the Lyttelton Theatre from June 16 – August 1, 2026. Tickets are now on sale here.
Top image: The Misanthrope poster (image supplied)