Sandra Oh takes the title role in a razor-sharp reimagining of Molière’s classic
Alice, a brilliant novelist, despises the hollow contemporary mantras of kindness and respect. But the bolder she becomes in speaking out, the more colleagues avoid her, and the more her personal relationships begin to fracture.
As she challenges fashionable ideas and lends her voice to causes others are afraid to touch, she faces intense criticism and backlash. Alice will soon learn the price she must pay as an artist and as a woman for daring to speak her mind.
The National Theatre announced the full cast joining Sandra Oh, who is making her National Theatre debut, for a new adaptation by Martin Crimp of Molière’s The Misanthrope. Written in contemporary verse, this biting satire interrogates 21st-century private relationships and public debate, with Molière’s infamous character – the misanthropic Alceste – here reimagined as Alice. Directed by Indhu Rubasingham.
As previously announced casting will include Paul Chahidi as John, Abigail Cruttenden as Claire
and Sandra Oh as Alice. Joining them will be Imogen Elliott as Esmée, Rina Fatania as Indira,
Freddie MacBruce as Allen, Tom Mison as Stefan and Jemima Rooper as Elaine. Young
performers include Arthur Blanc and Teddy Holton-Frances as Benjamin and Francesca Fullilove
and Poppy Townsend White as Madeleine.
The Misanthrope will run in the Lyttelton, National Theatre, Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PX from 16 June to 1 August 2026.
Booking and full details: visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
