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A new big chapter is being written at London’s National Theatre as four rising screen stars — Paul Mescal, Letitia Wright, Monica Barbaro, and Nicola Coughlan — will make their stage debut on one of the world’s most legendary stages. This is the launch of incoming Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham’s first season, which is committed to revitalizing the theatre’s connection with contemporary audiences by bringing together celebrated talent and new new storytelling.
Paul Mescal, most recently acclaimed for his work in “Aftersun” and “Normal People,” will return to two of the major productions under a renewed repertory plan: Tom Murphy’s “A Whistle in the Dark” and Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.” His return to the stage after a meteoric ascent to film stardom is a significant move in his career, reaffirming his theatrical origins while expanding his repertoire with strong, emotionally nuanced roles.
Letitia Wright, Marvel’s Black Panther star and award-winning breakout turn in Shuri, will bring her stage career into motion for the first time at the National, having been away from the stage. Rubasingham’s vision of inclusiveness and contemporary relevance ensures that she is a perfect fit, Wright bringing international success and fresh vision to the company. Although details of her production remain unannounced, her presence alone is sure to create significant buzz.
Monica Barbaro, the on-screen partner of Tom Cruise in “Top Gun: Maverick” and recently of Netflix’s “FUBAR,” is another notable guest artist of the season. Her presence marks the dedication of Rubasingham in making the National Theatre a stop for world-recognized actors willing to venture into live theater and new creative horizons.
Nicola Coughlan, who has become well-known from her work on “Derry Girls” and “Bridgerton,” rounds out the cast, bringing her own quick-witted comedic timing and emerging dramatic talent to the stage. Coughlan’s involvement is part of a broader effort to attract younger and more diverse audiences and ride the wave of her more diverse career.
The 2025 season also sees a first: a debut playwright, Nima Taleghani, will see his version of Euripides’ “The Bacchae” on the Olivier stage. This is a bold step that reflects Rubasingham’s radical approach to new voices. With these big-name debuts and revolutionary creative choices, the National Theatre is opening an exciting new era, where stage and screen unite and tradition and transformation blend.
