Bacchae Tickets

Book Tickets for Bacchae Today!

Bacchae, a brand new adaptation of Euripides' Greek tragedy, comes to the National Theatre’s Olivier stage as part of new Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham’s debut season. This exhilarating new version of the play brings the women front and centre, incorporating music, movement and rhythm. This is Euripides’ ultimate tragedy, like you’ve never seen it before. Secure your tickets today!

What is the play Bacchae about?

Dionysos, God of theatre, festivity, wine and madness, is dealing with some messed-up family drama - on an Olympic scale. Determined to dethrone his cousin King Penthus, Dionysus is eager to take his rightful place and prove to his worshippers, the Bacchae, that there’s more to him than just rhymes, wine and a good time.

But the Bacchae won’t be left on the sidelines while the men have all the fun. This pack of frenzied fangirls and wild women are ready to rise up, storm the stage and cause chaos in Thebes - with explosive results.

Euripides’ original tragedy, The Bacchae, is believed to have been written in the 300-400s, and premiered after his death in 405 at the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens. The play is regarded to be Euripides' masterwork and one of the greatest ancient tragedies. Unique for it’s integration of the chorus into the plot and for featuring a god as the protagonist, The Bacchae has had countless adaptations and revivals, including as operas, musicals and films.

This brand new version, after Euripides, incorporates movement, rhythm and spoken word to create an exciting, anarchic new production - this ain't no classic play, b*tches!

Who are the creative team of Bacchae?

Bacchae is written by Nima Taleghani, based on the play by Euripides. Taleghani is an actor, writer and theatre maker, best known for his role as Mr Farouk in Heartstopper. Taleghani’s other performance credits include Cyrano de Bergerac and Romeo and Juliet, on which he also served as text editor, for the Jamie Lloyd Company. Bacchae is Taleghani’s first play, and makes history as the first time that a debut playwright will premiere on the Olivier stage.

Indhu Rubasingham directs. Rubasingham is an Olivier Award winner and the former artistic director of the Kiln Theatre. Her credits include The Wife of Willesden, Handbagged, Red Velvet and The Father and the Assassin. In 2017, Rubasingham was awarded an MBE. Bacchae is the first play in her tenure as National Theatre Artistic Director.

The production will feature an original score by Olivier nominee DJ Walde (The Importance of Being Earnest, Into the Hoods, Stranger Things: The First Shadow) and choreography by ZooNation’s Kate Prince (Sylvia, Into the Hoods, Everyone’s Talking About Jamie).

Who are the cast of Bacchae?

Bacchae stars Clare Perkins (EastEnders, Wheel of Time, The Wife of Willesden), James McArdle (Angels in America, Mare of Easttown, Sexy Beast), and Ukweli Roach (Blindspot, Annika, Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train).

The cast also includes Arethajay McEwen (Little Shop of Horrors), Ebony Clarke (HEX), Fi Silverthorn (Nox), Jessey Stol (Message in a Bottle), Kate Ivory Jordan (42nd Street), Melanie Joyce Bermudez (Ballet Shoes), Sam Jenkins Shaw (Mrs Predisdent), and Simon Startin (After Life).

Further casting is to be announced.

Book Tickets for Bacchae at the National Theatre!

This is not your usual tragedy! This thrilling new play marks the beginning of an exciting new season of shows at the National Theatre and makes history for a debut playwright. Bacchae promises an explosive night of theatre - you’d be mad to miss it! So let the wine flow and the frenzy wash over you - book your tickets for Bacchae at the National Theatre today.