Royal Court Reveals Complete 2025 Season of World Premieres and Exciting New Productions
The Royal Court Theatre has announced the final line-up of shows for its 2025 season, completing artistic director David Byrne’s programme for the year. A mix of world premieres, touring productions, and exciting new work, the season promises to deliver some of the most anticipated theatre events of the year.
World Premieres at the Royal Court
The 2025 season will kick off with four world premieres, showcasing bold and innovative new writing:
Deaf Republic (29 August to 13 September)
Based on the poems by Ilya Kaminsky, Deaf Republic tells the story of an occupied town where everyone becomes deaf after a deaf boy is killed. Created by Dead Centre and sign language poet Zoë McWhinney, this thought-provoking piece explores silence and resistance.Cow | Deer (4 September to 11 October)
A collaboration between Katie Mitchell, Nina Segal, and Melanie Wilson, this production is made entirely with sound, no words. It radically decentering humans in an exploration of our relationship with animals and the environment. This co-production with the National Theatre of Greece will be a truly unique experience.The Unbelievers (10 October to 29 November)
Written by Nick Payne and directed by Marianne Elliott, The Unbelievers stars Nicola Walker as a mother dealing with the disappearance of her son. The production is a co-production with Playful Productions. The design is by Bunny Christie.Porn Play (6 November to 13 December)
Written by Sophia Chetin-Leuner, Porn Play explores women’s relationships with pornography through the lens of an academic’s addiction. Directed by Josie Rourke and starring Ambika Mod, this piece tackles difficult and timely issues.
Exciting Touring Productions at the Royal Court
In addition to the world premieres, two exciting touring productions will make their way to the Royal Court stage:
After the Act (21 May to 14 June)
A new musical by Breach that remixes archival research and personal accounts of Section 28 from 1988 to the present. Composed by Frew and Billy Barrett and Ellice Stevens, this powerful show highlights a pivotal moment in LGBTQIA+ history.ECHO (27 June to 5 July)
Directed by Omar Elerian, Nassim Soleimanpour’s ECHO returns to the Royal Court following its debut in 2024. Featuring performers such as Mel Giedroyc, Nish Kumar, and Juliet Stevenson, the production is unique in that the performers take to the stage without prior rehearsal. ECHO will then embark on an international tour.
Other Announcements for the 2025 Season
Alongside these productions, the Royal Court has also announced its plans for the second iteration of the Open Submissions Festival, an 18-month attachment for playwright Tife Kusoro, and the opening of submissions for the inaugural Young Playwrights Award. These initiatives reflect the theatre’s continued commitment to supporting emerging writers and expanding the boundaries of contemporary theatre.
David Byrne on the 2025 Season
David Byrne, artistic director of the Royal Court, shared his excitement about the 2025 season:
“The best thing about being artistic director at the Royal Court is the opportunity to support playwrights working in every form and texture for the stage. This season is the full feast of what new writing for the contemporary stage looks like now. Every production in this season is an unmissable piece of theatre, each bringing together world-class artists to present electric new work to audiences. Come and join us.”
Tickets and On-Sale Information
Tickets for the newly announced productions will go on sale to the general public at 12pm on Monday, 31 March 2025. Be sure to grab your tickets for what promises to be an unforgettable year of theatre at the Royal Court Theatre.
