No longer booking

Get tickets to Bacchae at the National Theatre in London

A fierce and fearless reimagining of the Greek classic Bacchae storms into the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre this autumn, in the first season curated by the National’s new artistic director, Indhu Rubasingham.

Written by Nima Taleghani (Heartstopper), this bold new adaptation promises anarchic energy and boundary-breaking storytelling. With a fusion of spoken word, rhyme, and electrifying choreography by Kate Prince (ZooNation), plus an original score by DJ Walde, Bacchae is a thrilling invocation of the god of theatre.

James McArdle (Mare of Easttown), Clare Perkins (EastEnders), Ukweli Roach (Blindspot) and Sharon Small (The Inspector Lynley Mysteries) lead the cast in this thrilling modern take, as the Bacchae rise up — not to follow, but to lead. These women are not background players. They are chaos incarnate, ready to rewrite the rules of power in Thebes.

Bacchae is playing at the Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre from 13 September to 1 November 2025.

The Bacchae aren’t standing on the sidelines whilst the men have all the fun. These fangirls may be a pack but they’re not animals… They are stage-storming powerhouses ready to cause chaos in Thebes.

Whilst the Bacchae maraud in the mountains, their god Dionysos is taking part in his own f*cked-up family Olympics. He’s here to bring down his cousin King Pentheus. All to prove to the chorus of women that he’s more than just the god of rhyme, wine and a good time.

Sign-up for booking alerts, offers & news about Bacchae and other shows:

Videos & Photos

Performance Information

Check booking calendar for full details

Stars and Creatives

Who is in the cast of Bacchae?

Starring James McArdle, Clare Perkins, Ukweli Roach, Sharon Small, Arethajay McEwen, Ebony Clarke, Fi Silverthorn, Jessey Stol, Kate Ivory Jordan, Melanie Joyce Bermudez, Sam Jenkins Shaw, Simon Startin, Roman Asde, Elèna Gyasi, Reuben Johnson, Tyreke Leslie, Natasha Magigi, Ellie McKay, Ellie-May Sheridan, Anna Russell-Martin and Amanda Wilkin

Who are the creative team of Bacchae?

  • Written by Nima Taleghani
  • Directed by Indhu Rubasingham
  • Choreography by Kate Prince
  • An original score by DJ Walde
  • Set and costume design by Robert Jones
  • Lighting design by Oliver Fenwick
  • Sound design by Ben and Max Ringham
  • Fight director Kate Waters
  • Casting by Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG and Martin Poile CDG
  • Voice and dialect coach Hazel Holder
  • Associate director Hannah Hauer-King
  • Associate set and costume designer Natalie Johnson
  • Assistant choreographer Ajani Johnson-Goffe
  • Dramaturgy by Jeanie O’Hare

Important Notes

Content warning: This production contains graphic depictions of violence and death, scenes of a sexual nature, sexual references, ableism, strong language and loud music with heavy bass.

Venue Information

National Theatre - Olivier Theatre , Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PX

Nearest Tube or Train: Waterloo (Jubilee line, Northern line, Bakerloo line)

Nearest Buses: 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, X68, RV1

Directions

Google Apple

Critics' reviews of Bacchae

★★★★ "Headspinningly smart and hugely entertaining" - The Independent

Also see: Bacchae Reviews Round-up

Frequently Asked Questions

Bacchae is playing at the National Theatre - Olivier Theatre in London
The running time of Bacchae is 1 hour 45 minutes (no interval)
The age recommendations for Bacchae are: 14+
Yes, Bacchae has matinee performances on the following days: Wednesday, Saturday
No, sorry, Bacchae has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.

News about Bacchae

More Great Shows

See all