The Misanthrope

The Misanthrope at the National Theatre, London

Sandra Oh, the Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award-winning star of Killing Eve and Grey's Anatomy, makes her National Theatre debut in a sharp new version of Molière's greatest comedy. The Misanthrope, written by Martin Crimp and directed by Indhu Rubasingham, plays at the Lyttelton Theatre from 16 June to 1 August 2026. This is one of the most anticipated productions in the National Theatre's 2026 season and marks Sandra Oh's return to the London stage.

What Is The Misanthrope About?

A brilliant novelist called Alice despises the hollow contemporary mantras of kindness and respect that surround her. She sees through the polished surfaces of literary circles, social media performances and polite society, and she isn't afraid to say so. But the bolder she becomes in speaking out, the more colleagues avoid her and the more her personal relationships begin to fracture. As she faces intense criticism and backlash, Alice learns the price she must pay, as an artist and as a woman, for daring to speak her mind. Crimp's adaptation transports Molière's 17th-century satire into the sharp-edged world of modern London, written in contemporary verse that crackles with wit and fury.

The Misanthrope Cast: Sandra Oh, Paul Chahidi and More

Sandra Oh leads the cast as Alice. She is joined by Paul Chahidi, acclaimed for his roles in The Night Manager and Wicked Little Letters, and Abigail Cruttenden, known for Ragdoll and Not Going Out. Further casting is to be announced. With a performer of Sandra Oh's calibre in the lead role and a writer as incisive as Martin Crimp behind the text, this promises to be a production that audiences and critics will be talking about for a long time.

Martin Crimp's New Version of Molière's The Misanthrope

Martin Crimp first adapted The Misanthrope in 1996, transplanting it from 17th-century Paris to the celebrity-obsessed world of modern London. That version won critical acclaim in both the West End and New York. For this 2026 production, Crimp has refreshed and updated the text once again, sharpening its focus on the politics of public speech, cancel culture and the cost of authenticity. Indhu Rubasingham, who became Director of the National Theatre in 2024, directs. The creative team includes set and costume designer Robert Jones and lighting designer Tim Lutkin.

National Theatre Lyttelton, South Bank London

The Lyttelton is the National Theatre's mid-sized auditorium, seating around 890 in a traditional proscenium-arch layout. It offers excellent sightlines and a sense of intimacy that suits character-driven drama perfectly. The National Theatre is located on the South Bank of the Thames, a short walk from Waterloo station, with restaurants, bars and a bookshop open throughout the day.

Book The Misanthrope Tickets

Given Sandra Oh's international profile and the high demand for National Theatre productions, tickets for The Misanthrope are expected to sell quickly. This is a strictly limited summer run. Book your tickets on tickadoo and witness a major star tackle one of theatre's most enduring comedies in a production that promises to be anything but polite.