The Bush Theatre has announced its final season of productions programmed by outgoing Artistic Director Lynette Linton, marking the end of a transformative era for the acclaimed West London venue.
The 2026 lineup includes four new productions from award-winning playwrights and rising creatives, alongside community initiatives and partnerships that reaffirm the Bush’s commitment to nurturing new voices and connecting with local audiences.
In the Holloway Theatre – the venue’s main house – the Bush present two productions previously announced as part of Lynette Linton’s final season.
First up is Sweetmeats, an intimate love story between two South Asian elders by Karim Khan (Brown Boys Swim), directed by Tara Theatre’s Artistic Director Natasha Kathi-Chandra. The Bush teams up with Tara Theatre for this co-production, which runs from 7 February to 21 March 2026.
It’s followed by Heart Wall (7 April – 16 May 2026), a tender exploration of grief and memory by Kit Withington, a Bush Writers’ Group alumnus, directed by Katie Greenall and co-commissioned with Oldham Coliseum.
“These shows represent the kind of work that defines Lynette’s tenure – bold, compassionate, and rooted in real communities,” said Bush Theatre Artistic Director Taio Lawson, who continues to oversee Linton’s final programme. “It feels more important than ever that the Bush continues its proud tradition of finding, developing, and platforming writers who create resonant and affecting experiences for our audiences.”
In the Bush Studio, the theatre continues to champion independent producers and innovative new writing. Farah Najib makes her Bush debut with Maggots (27 January – 28 February 2026), directed by Jess Barton and produced by Jessie Anand Productions, exploring community and isolation in a decaying housing block.
Later in the year, Piers Black’s I’m Not Being Funny (7 May – 6 June 2026), directed by Bryony Shanahan and produced by Prentice Productions, follows a couple attempting to write a stand-up routine as they confront the cracks in their relationship.
These productions follow recent studio successes including Elephant by Anoushka Lucas and Invisible by Nikhil Parmar, both of which transferred to major stages in London and New York.
- Read Elephant reviews and see production photos
Alongside the new productions, the Bush announced its third cohort of the Bush Young Company, a two-year programme for 18–25-year-olds offering professional training and performance opportunities. The new intake of 19 young artists was selected from over 300 applicants, reflecting the growing demand for inclusive entry routes into the industry.
The theatre also unveiled a Local Partnership with Pursuing Independent Paths (PiP), an organisation empowering adults with learning disabilities, in collaboration with Spare Tyre as Lead Artist. Together, they will co-create a new event for the Bush stage in 2025.
Since taking over in 2019, Lynette Linton has led the Bush through a renaissance, cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s most dynamic new writing venues. Under her leadership, the theatre produced multiple Olivier Award-winning productions including The P Word, Old Bridge, and Sleepova, as well as the international hit Baby Reindeer by Richard Gadd. Linton announced she was stepping down from the role of AD at the Bush in September of last year. Since then she has directed Alterations at the National Theatre and Intimate Apparel at the Donmar Warehouse.
The Bush was named The Stage Theatre of the Year (2023) and has seen numerous works transfer to the West End and beyond.
Currently playing at the Bush Theatre
Currently playing at the Bush is Not Your Superwoman, starring Letitia Wright (Black Panther) and Golda Rosheuvel (Bridgerton). Written by Emma Dennis-Edwards and directed by Lynette Linton, the play explores the complex bond between a mother and daughter navigating loss, identity, and the cycles that bind them. Booking until 1 November 2025.
It’s followed by After Sunday (10 November – 20 December 2025), the acclaimed debut by Sophia Griffin, directed by Corey Campbell, Artistic Director of Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre. The play unfolds inside a secure hospital, where food, memory, and healing intertwine in a deeply human story.
Also opening in November is The Horse of Jenin (20 November – 20 December 2025), written and performed by Alaa Shehada. A poetic reflection on memory and resilience in Occupied Palestine, the play follows one man’s search for a symbol of hope destroyed by conflict.
Book tickets:
?️ Book Maggots tickets – 27 January to 28 February 2026
?️ Book Sweetmeats tickets– 7 February to 21 March 2026
?️ Book Heart Wall tickets – 7 April to 16 May 2026
?️ Book I’m Not Being Funny tickets – 7 May to 6 June 2026
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