Tilda Swinton, Gary Oldman Lead Royal Court’s 70th Anniversary Season Cast
The Royal Court Theatre has officially announced its programming for the 70th anniversary season, showcasing a dynamic lineup featuring acclaimed actors Tilda Swinton and Gary Oldman. A total of 12 productions will be staged across the venue’s two theatres, including two significant revivals and two world premieres.
Exciting Premieres and Revivals
The season will kick off on 6 January 2026 with Luke Norris’s new play, Guess How Much I Love You?. This production will run until 21 February 2026 in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs. It follows an expectant couple in a hospital, navigating the challenges of their future. The cast includes Robert Aramayo, Rosie Sheehy, and Lena Kaur, with direction by Jeremy Herrin.
Later, on 20 March, the acclaimed Broadway play John Proctor Is the Villain will make its way to the Royal Court. This production, directed by Danya Taymor, will run until 25 April 2026. The story revolves around teenagers grappling with moral dilemmas while studying Arthur Miller’s The Crucible.
Gary Oldman’s Return to the Stage
From 8 May to 30 May 2026, Gary Oldman will perform in Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape, marking his return to the stage after 37 years. This poignant piece, first presented in 1958, depicts an elderly man’s reflections on his past through recorded tapes. The production will feature a curtain-raiser titled Godot’s To-Do List, a new short play by Leo Simpe-Asante.
Tilda Swinton’s Stage Comeback
Tilda Swinton joins the season in Man to Man, directed by Stephen Unwin. Her performance will run from 5 September to 24 October 2026, revisiting a role she last portrayed over 30 years ago. This compelling narrative explores a woman’s survival by assuming her deceased husband’s identity amidst political upheaval in Germany.
Lineup of Productions
The complete lineup for the 70th anniversary season includes:
- Guess How Much I Love You? by Luke Norris (6 Jan – 21 Feb 2026)
- John Proctor Is the Villain by Kimberly Belflower (20 Mar – 25 Apr 2026)
- Krapp’s Last Tape by Samuel Beckett (8 May – 30 May 2026)
- Man to Man by Manfred Karge (5 Sep – 24 Oct 2026)
- The Afronauts by Ryan Calais Cameron (14 Nov – 19 Dec 2026)
- The Shitheads by Jack Nicholls (6 Feb – 14 Mar 2026)
- Between The River And The Sea by Yousef Sweid and Isabella Sedlak (15 Apr – 9 May 2026)
- Are You Watching? by Georgie Dettmer (29 May – 4 Jul 2026)
- Blood of my Blood by Joy Nesbitt (1 Oct – 7 Nov 2026)
- Monument by Rhys Warrington (3 Dec – 23 Jan 2027)
Conclusion
Artistic Director David Byrne expressed excitement for the anniversary, stating that the Royal Court looks forward to a thrilling season. Celebrating its legacy, the theatre invites audiences to partake in a year-long celebration filled with remarkable storytelling and performances.
