James McArdle, Clare Perkins, Ukweli Roach and Sharon Small complete the cast of Bacchae, a new play by Nima Taleghani that will mark the first time a debut play will be staged at the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre.
Taleghani (Heartstopper)’s take on Euripides’ Greek tragedy also features Melanie-Joyce Bermudez, Ebony Clarke, Natasha Gooden, Sam Jenkins-Shaw, Kate Ivory Jordan, Arethajay McEwen, Fi Silverthorn, Simon Startin and Jessey Stol.
They are joined by Roman Asde, Elèna Gyasi, Reuben Johnson, Tyreke Leslie, Natasha Magigi, Ellie McKay, Ellie-May Sheridan, Anna Russell-Martin and Amanda Wilkin.
The Bacchae aren’t standing on the sidelines whilst the men have all the fun. These fangirls may be a pack, but they’re not animals… they are stage-storming powerhouses ready to cause chaos in Thebes. Whilst the Bacchae maraud in the mountains, their god Dionysos is taking part in his own f*cked-up family Olympics. He’s here to bring down his cousin King Pentheus. All to prove to the chorus of women that he’s more than just the god of rhyme, wine and a good time.
Director Indhu Rubasingham is joined by set and costume designer Robert Jones, choreographer Kate Prince, lighting designer Oliver Fenwick, composer DJ Walde, sound designers Ben and Max Ringham, fight director Kate Waters, casting directors Bryony Jarvis-Taylor and Martin Poile, voice and dialect coach Hazel Holder, associate director Hannah Hauer-King, associate set and costume designer Natalie Johnson, associate choreographer Ajani Johnson-Goffe and dramaturgy by Jeanie O’Hare.
Bacchae plays in the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre from September 13 to November 1, 2025. Tickets here.
Top image: James McArdle, Clare Perkins (credit Jennie Scott), Ukweli Roach (credit David Reiss) and Sharon Small (credit Dan Bridge) (images supplied)