A new play focusing on John Major's ascent to power, penned by James Graham, is set to premiere at the National Theatre in London next year. This production is part of a 2027 season that places political upheaval and global conflict at its core.
The play, titled Major, reunites Graham with director Jeremy Herrin, known for the parliamentary drama This House. It will trace Major's progression from a relatively obscure whip to prime minister, succeeding Margaret Thatcher during a significant period for Britain's relationship with Europe.
The National Theatre has announced a total of 18 productions for its 2027 programme, with eight of these being world premieres. The season also includes other new works such as The Great Indaba by Moira Buffini, Samira by Carmen Nasr, and The Adeyemis – A Family Saga by Oladipo Agboluaje.
Among the new offerings is Natasha Gordon's stage adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo's novel Mr Loverman, and a new British musical, Glorious Madness, featuring songs by Joan Armatrading. The multi-award-winning theatre company Punchdrunk will also open an immersive production called Ghostlight.
The programme also features modern classics and 20th-century works, including West Side Story, Tennessee Williams’ Suddenly Last Summer, David Hare’s Plenty, and Death of a Salesman. Notably, the new season will not include a Shakespeare production on the National's three main stages.