RSC Reveals Epic 2025/26 Season Featuring ALFRED ENOCH, ADRIAN LESTER, and More!

You know that rush of excitement when the curtain’s about to rise? Multiply it by ten, and you might just come close to the buzz surrounding the Royal Shakespeare Company’s thrilling announcement of their 2025/26 season. Artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey have crafted a bold lineup that promises to redefine Shakespearean storytelling and bring some surprising innovations to Stratford-upon-Avon.

Battle Lines Drawn: ALFRED ENOCH Takes on HENRY V

Leading the charge at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre is a reunion that theatre fans have been desperately awaiting: Alfred Enoch, acclaimed star of the stage and screen, teaming up again with co-director Tamara Harvey. After their previous success with Romeo and Juliet, their fresh take on HENRY V is set to blend historical drama with modern resonance. Expect raw intensity and charismatic leadership from Enoch, who has already proven his Shakespearean mettle.

HENRY V might seem familiar territory, but here’s a twist few have considered: Enoch’s uniquely international upbringing (his father is English actor William Russell, his mother Brazilian physician Etheline Margareth Lewis Enoch) gives him an extraordinary depth in navigating the complexities of identity, duty, and leadership inherent in Shakespeare’s warrior king.

Cyrano, Reinvented: ADRIAN LESTER Leads a Bold New Vision

In the Swan Theatre, expect the unexpected as Adrian Lester, an actor renowned for his transformative prowess, brings to life the timeless yet tragic Cyrano de Bergerac. Directed by Simon Evans in collaboration with poet and playwright Debris Stevenson, this production promises to revitalise Edmond Rostand’s classic. With set and costume design by the visionary Grace Smart, a score by Alex Baranowski, and evocative sound design by Donato Wharton, this Cyrano won’t simply recite verses—it will pulse and breathe with modern urgency.

A little-known fact bound to intrigue theatre insiders: Stevenson, whose spoken-word poetry often explores identity and self-perception, is likely to infuse Cyrano’s inner conflicts with contemporary flair, revealing layers unseen before. Expect sparks to fly—both poetic and emotional.

Return to Grandeur: THE FORSYTE SAGA’s Two-Part Spectacle

Also at the Swan, Josh Roche revisits his celebrated adaptation of THE FORSYTE SAGA, originally staged at London’s Park Theatre. If you missed its original outing, now’s your chance. This sprawling family drama explores ambition, power, and betrayal with gripping intimacy and scale. Roche’s intricate direction is sure to captivate those hungry for expansive storytelling, marking the Swan Theatre as a hub of narrative innovation.

Musical Milestones and Macbeth’s Fresh Blood

2026 heralds a landmark first: the RSC’s inaugural original musical, directed by acclaimed theatre-maker Lynette Linton. Details are still closely guarded, but trust me, insiders hint at something groundbreaking. Musical theatre lovers, this will be worth the wait.

Meanwhile, in The Other Place, Daniel Raggett returns with a spine-chilling MACBETH, boasting a starry ensemble soon to be revealed. But Raggett’s fresh interpretation isn’t the only intriguing offering here. American sensation Whitney White brings us ALL IS BUT FANTASY—a revolutionary, two-part “gig-theatre” exploration of Shakespeare’s most compelling characters. Focusing on figures like Lady Macbeth, Juliet, Emilia, and Richard III, White’s vibrant musical reinterpretations promise to electrify and perhaps redefine your favourite Shakespearean figures.

Empowering the Next Generation

Not forgetting the young talent, the RSC’s Next Generation initiative is back with a unique take on TIMON OF ATHENS, developed by budding artists from across England. Additionally, their ambitious First Encounters with Shakespeare programme will tour KING LEAR through 79 performances in 24 locations, ensuring Shakespeare reaches new, younger audiences. Education and theatre merge beautifully here, nurturing future stars and theatre enthusiasts alike.

Global Ambitions: KYOTO and HAMNET Take Flight

The RSC’s ambition doesn’t stop at Stratford’s borders. Their production of KYOTO, already generating buzz, heads to New York later this year. Meanwhile, HAMNET, adapted by the brilliant Lolita Chakrabarti and directed by Erica Whyman, embarks on an anticipated US tour, hitting landmark venues like the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, and San Francisco’s renowned American Conservatory Theater.

London’s Hot Ticket: BORN WITH TEETH

Finally, mark your calendars for London’s Wyndham’s Theatre where Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who fans, rejoice!) and Edward Bluemel will portray literary giants Marlowe and Shakespeare in BORN WITH TEETH. Directed by co-artistic director Daniel Evans and co-produced by Playful Productions and Elizabeth Williams, it promises intense drama, wit, and possibly a touch of controversy.

This diverse, dynamic lineup proves the RSC isn’t merely curating theatre—they’re shaping its future. Each production promises to push boundaries, enthrall audiences, and remind us why live theatre remains irreplaceable. So grab your diaries and book early—because trust me, these shows will be talked about for years to come.