The Old Vic in London has announced a new stage production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest will play at The Old Vic from 1 April to 23 May 2026.
The production will star Aaron Pierre (Rebel Ridge, Mufasa: The Lion King) as Randle P. McMurphy and Giles Terera (Hamilton, Othello) as Dale Harding.
Further casting, including Nurse Ratched, to be announced.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest will be directed by Clint Dyer (Death of England, Othello), and staged in the round, as part of Old Vic Artistic Director Matthew Warchus’ final Season at the venue.
The play promises to reignite the spirit of the original novel by Ken Kesey, in this searing exploration of colonialism and the social structures built to silence dissent.
The stage adaptation is written by Dale Wasserman.
The wider creative team includes Set & Costume design by Ben Stones, Lighting design by Chris Davey, Sound design by Benjamin Grant, Movement by Lucie Pankhurst, Casting by Heather Basten CDG CSA, Associate Director Jade Hackett, Associate Wigs, Hair & Make-Up by Keisha-Paris Banya, Costume Supervisor Maybelle Laye and Cultural Consultant Nathan Woodward.
More about One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Based on Ken Kesey’s countercultural masterpiece, the novel was famously turned into a five-time Oscar winning film starring Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher.
The story is set inside a psychiatric facility, where Chief Bromden has been silent for years — confined and maligned by a system that labels, divides and forgets. But he has a story to tell. He’s just been waiting for someone to listen.
Enter Randle P. McMurphy, a gambler and provocateur whose defiance unsettles the ward — and sparks something long dormant in Bromden and his fellow patients. Under the iron rule of Nurse Ratched, they have been stripped of their humanity. Now, McMurphy’s rebellion reminds the patients of their voices — and what it means to be free.
What They Said
Director Clint Dyer said in a statement: “It feels such an honour, and the perfect time to place this wonderful play, based on the counterculture novel by Ken Kesey, back into the discourse. In directing this great play, I hope to hold more closely its original conversation on colonialism and identity from the novel, whilst maintaining its sense of mischief, anarchy and pathos.”
Matthew Warchus, Artistic Director of The Old Vic, said: “I’m delighted to be welcoming the brilliant Clint Dyer to be a part of this In The Round Season at The Old Vic. We can’t wait to share his exciting new take on this iconic story.”
Booking tickets
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest will play at The Old Vic from 1 April to 23 May 2026.
More about tickets to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at The Old Vic Theatre London
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