The Misanthrope Tickets

The Misanthrope in London

You certainly won’t hate this news - Sandra Oh makes her National Theatre debut in The Misanthrope. This brand new production reimagines Molière’s satire for the 21st century in a new version by Martin Crimp, directed by the National’s Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham. This bitingly witty play, about a brutally honest writer who speaks her mind despite the social ramifications, comes to the National Theatre’s Lyttelton Theatre, by the banks of the River Thames, for a strictly limited run - secure your tickets today. 

What Is the Play The Misanthrope About?

The Misanthrope is a comedy of manners that exposes the contradictions of social etiquette, honesty and hypocrisy. In this contemporary reinterpretation, the central figure Alceste is reimagined as Alice, a novelist who rejects what she sees as hollow expressions of kindness and polite society. As Alice becomes increasingly outspoken, she faces professional backlash and personal isolation, raising questions about integrity, truth and the price of being unvarnished in a world obsessed with image.

Blending sharp dialogue and modern sensibilities with the enduring wit and moral scrutiny of Molière’s original, The Misanthrope explores how honesty sits alongside societal expectations and public debate in contemporary life.

The History of The Misanthrope 

The Misanthrope was written by Molière and first performed in 1666 at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal in Paris. A verse comedy of manners, the original play centres on Alceste, a man who despises social hypocrisy and insists on absolute honesty, even when it isolates him from the society he inhabits.

Unlike many of Molière’s broader farces, The Misanthrope was more restrained in tone and initially divided audiences, who found its moral ambiguity and unsympathetic central character challenging. Over time, however, it has come to be regarded as one of Molière’s greatest works, admired for its psychological depth, sharp satire and enduring relevance.

This National Theatre staging updates that legacy in a fresh voice, using contemporary verse and perspective to explore how authenticity, especially when wielded by a woman in today’s world, collides with societal norms and expectations.

The Misanthrope Cast

Confirmed casting for this production includes: 

• Sandra Oh - Alice
• Paul Chahidi
• Abigail Cruttenden

Sandra Oh is a Canadian-American actor best known for her long-running role in Grey’s Anatomy, which earned multiple awards and nominations, and as the titular role in the critically acclaimed series Killing Eve. Her screen credits also include Sideways, The Princess Diaries, and Quiz Lady. The Misanthrope marks Oh’s National Theatre debut.

Further casting and characters to be announced. 

The Misanthrope Creative Team

The Misanthrope is adapted by Martin Crimp (Cyrano de Bergerac, Attempts on Her Life), from the original play by Molière, and is directed by National Theatre Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham (The Father and the Assassin, Red Velvet), with Gitika Buttoo (The Effect, Consent) as associate director.

Set and costume design is by Robert Jones (My Brilliant Friend, The Lehman Trilogy), with lighting design by Tim Lutkin (Life of Pi, Starlight Express). Jeannette Nelson (War Horse, Hamlet) serves as voice coach, associate set and costume design is by Ethan Cheek (The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Pinocchio), sound design is by Alexander Caplen (Patriots, Leopoldstadt), and original music is composed by Anna Meredith (Connect It, HandsFree).

Tickets for The Misanthrope at the National Theatre

Sandra Oh’s National Theatre debut is sure to be one of the hottest theatrical events of this season - so make sure to book early to avoid disappointment. If you enjoy classic comedy sharpened for modern audiences, The Misanthrope offers wit, bite and big ideas in equal measure. Secure your tickets for The Misanthrope at the National Theatre Lyttelton Stage today.