The Old Vic in London has announced a major cast change for its upcoming production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, with Olivia Williams joining the company to play the iconic role of Nurse Ratched.
Olivia Williams (The Crown, The Sixth Sense, Dune: Prophecy) takes over the role from Michelle Gomez (Green Wing, The Flight Attendant), who has stepped down for personal reasons. In a statement, The Old Vic thanked Gomez for her time on the production and wished her well.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest starts performances at The Old Vic on 1 April 2026, and is booking to 23 May 2026.
Check ticket availability for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – in rehearsals. Giles Terera & Aaron Pierre. Photos by Manuel Harlan
A Star-studded revival in the round
Olivia Williams joins a high-profile cast led by Aaron Pierre (Rebel Ridge, Mufasa: The Lion King) as Randle P. McMurphy, and Giles Terera (Hamilton, Oh, Mary!) as Dale Harding.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is directed by Clint Dyer (Death of England, Othello), and staged in the round as part of Matthew Warchus’ final season as The Old Vic artistic director.
The stage adaptation by Dale Wasserman is based on the original counterculture novel by Ken Kesey, which was also turned into a five-time Oscar-winning film starring Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher.
The full company
The wider cast of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest includes Samson Ajewole as Aide Warren, Kazeem Tosin Amore as Aide Turkle, Arthur Boan as Chief Bromden, Adam Bond as Ensemble, Emma Cater as Ensemble, Ene Frost as Ruckley, Jaz Hutchins as Aide Williams, Shaquille Jack as Ensemble, Daisy Lewis as Candy Starr, Amy Newton as Nurse Flinn/Sandra, Jason Pennycooke as Martini, Javone Prince as Cheswick, Mo Sesay as Scanlon, Matthew Steer as Dr Spivey, and Kedar Williams-Stirling as Billy Bibbit.
Plan your visit
- Theatre: The Old Vic Theatre, London
- Dates: 1 April to 23 May 2026
- Tickets: See our One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest show page for details
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